I originally posted this message in the S90-V90 section, but I haven't received any responses, most likely I'm thinking because of the limited year range of these cars.

Anyway, the first thing I did was do a search here on timing belt replacement for the B6304 and I found nothing. Well, I found the maintenance pdf for 700/900 cars, and it made a specific reference to 960 timing belt changing, complete with a link, but when I click on the link, nothing happens. And I haven't been able to find the file that the link refers to.

So anyway, here's the story:

My 1998 V90 is about due for another timing belt replacement and this time I thought I'd give it a try myself.

We bought the car right about when it was due for its second belt, so I had my Volvo shop do the replacement. But I'm getting a quote of over $400 now for this and I'm hoping I can save a bit (read a lot!) by doing it myself. Now, I've replaced belts on B230FT motors, and I know what all's involved with them. Including having to pull the harmonic balancer. I guess my biggest question is, do I have to pull the HB with a B6304? As I recall, the only reason why it has to be done with the B230 is because of the timing belt shroud which surrounds the crank and crank gear, thus not allowing belt replacement without removal of the HB. My wife has the car at the moment, so I'm not able to look under the hood to see if the B6304 has a similar arrangement with its timing belt cover.

I'm going from a rather dim recollection now, but I replaced the water pump about four or five years ago, and it seems to me that it was all just right there, that the belt was an easy replacement with the WP removed. Am I remembering this correctly? If so, it seems it should be an easy task.

Just hoping, at any rate. And if there's a "how to" around here somewhere, I'd appreciate it if you could point me toward it. Thanks.