Should I Change the Aux Belt and Tensioner Early?

[Scooser]

Originally Posted by KFCKFC

As you haven't had your cambelt changed since new, you have only 3 years of life left (in theory). Would you entertain the idea of changing both the cambelt and the aux belt now to mitigate the risk of either belts/tensioners failing.

I'd rather not unless I'm recommended to, given there is a small risk associated with belt changeout, such as poor workmanship or inferior parts etc. A bit of better the devil you know.

I've read a lot of posts on the forum and it appears that the hydraulic tensioners were changed to mechanical type, so assuming that what I have. Although I am confused as I've seen one post where the Op advised, based on discussions with Volvo, that his engine in an XC60 had the latest hydraulic tensioners.

Would be useful for those in the know to understand what type of tensioner my car originally came with and what type it was changed to under recall, and if that is still the recommended type today.

And, based on the above if it was their car would they change the tensioner and belt early.

I'm going to follow up with my Volvo dealer and will post any feedback.

Thanks.

[Peter V70 D5]

Originally Posted by Scooser

I have 58 plate (09 MY) V70 D5 R-Design. Given the catastrophic issue relating to aux belt failure, I'd be interested to know if the recommendation from those on the forum is to change the belt and tensioner early, given the following history of the car.

I had my aux belt and tensioner replaced under recall at the 2nd year service and 15k miles. It's soon approaching its 7 year service with 42k more on the clock.

Volvo recommend 10 years or 54k miles (whichever comes first) for aux belt and tensioner replacement, and given I've done such low miles I was going to wait until the 10 year service and have the cam belt and aux belt done together, given I'll still likely be well below the 54k miles (and 8 years) since the recall replacement work was done.

Is the advice from the forum that I should have the aux belt and tensioner done at the upcoming 7 year service and then again at the 10 year service?

Please read the thread I started under Diesel Engines may be to your advantage!

[krzemien]

My car has been a subject of tensioner recall and I (obviously) went ahead with this despite me changing (and paying for) it only year earlier during 54k regular service. Such life!

What I am personally missing in such threads is this:

* Details of car in question (i.e. what year / reg plate, model, mileage)
* More importantly: whether all related recalls were made and where car was serviced

to see if there's a pattern emerging or not.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Just a personal opinion.

Given that 1) there has been a recall (which indicates that Volvos determination of the life of the components involved has been over estimated!) for some models and 2) there seem to be several people who have been unfortunately caught out with problems arising from the components not being changed (or maybe not serviced/lubricated where required?) and the catastrophic and costly results.....
I would change the tensioner & belt a year before the common timespan at which these issues seem to occur. If that is after about 7 years then I would change them at 6 years or the associated mileage for 6 years.

I would rather be safe than sorry...

Des. . .

[volvo for ever]

take a piece of advise renew it with out hesitation

regards

[JohnCav]

Originally Posted by Scooser

I have 58 plate (09 MY) V70 D5 R-Design. Given the catastrophic issue relating to aux belt failure, I'd be interested to know if the recommendation from those on the forum is to change the belt and tensioner early, given the following history of the car.

I had my aux belt and tensioner replaced under recall at the 2nd year service and 15k miles. It's soon approaching its 7 year service with 42k more on the clock.

Volvo recommend 10 years or 54k miles (whichever comes first) for aux belt and tensioner replacement, and given I've done such low miles I was going to wait until the 10 year service and have the cam belt and aux belt done together, given I'll still likely be well below the 54k miles (and 8 years) since the recall replacement work was done.

Is the advice from the forum that I should have the aux belt and tensioner done at the upcoming 7 year service and then again at the 10 year service?

In my experience this is the Achilles heel of the Volvo D5 engine having caused disastrous consequences on 2 Volvo V70 for me. The first car was repairable at a cost of €3500 the second knocked my engines timing out which resulted in a new car.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

From the few stories on here so far, i would suggest that an early change would be advisable.
I always err on the safe side for belts anyway and get them changed early by a year on 5 year items and 2 years on 10 year items.

Des. . .

[glengibson]

Replace! especially the Aux belt (known for failing before recommended change times)