XC70 Engine write off due to Aux Belt/Timing Belt Failure

[tt82]

Originally Posted by spyboy

Oh dear what a sorry tale. I came to Volvo after having a terrible time with Audi over an A4 Avant Quattro which eventually I got rid for an XC70 2011 MY with Polestar, now 45k on the clock with full dealer service.
Until I read this thread I thought the V70/XC70 were pretty much faultless as long as you kept to the service intervals. I love the car btw
Was I wrong?

There a few issues, mainly the aux belt tensioner failing though. Overall if properly serviced they are fairly robust.

Originally Posted by sssxw23

my local Volvo dealer advised me 2 weeks ago about the tension , yes all belts changed at Volvo dealer only 18k miles ago.

If you've only been told by the dealers I wonder if there is another recall going out? The issue came to light years ago and all cars should have been rectified by now.

If the belt and tensioner were changed by a Volvo dealer only 18k miles ago, then surely that counts as a failure of the part earlier than it's expected life cycle and Volvo should be doing more.

[Scooser]

Originally Posted by sssxw23

I sympathise with all of you who have had similar issues with almost insulting responses and offers of help from Volvo UK - 2weeks ago I was advised my 2011 XC60 D5 AWD 126k required a warranty check on the Hydraulic tensioner

My 2009 V70 D5 was subject to a recall in 2011 at its second year service to replace the tensioner and belt. I'm sure I was told the recall was replacing the hydraulic tensioner with a mechanical one.

First question I would ask is whether the call was successfully recalled for any modifications earlier in its history, as most cars have been subject to a quick recall, given it is a big safety issue if you throw a cam belt at high speed, given the loss of power. If you look at the VOSA recall reason it purely mentioned safety associated with loss of power.

If not, was this an official recall, as it seems odd they were undertaking this on a 5 year old car, as most checks are done pretty quickly after purchase, and it is not like Volvo are not aware of this one.

Volvos were throwing aux belts well before my 2009 model, so to think they still have problems on 2011 models smacks of incompetence. The wheel/cycle of improvement should have designed out this fault within months, not allowing the same issue to surface year after year.

When you had you can belt done, was the aux belt tensioner replaced at the same time. If it anything like my D5 the aux belt and tensioner should be changed every 54k, with cam belt every 108k miles.

Finally, I'm interested to know if the where any tell-tale signs that the tensioner/belt was about to go, such as unusual engine noise, or did it go without any advance warning signs?

[RM955I]

I checked with my local dealer a few weeks ago with regard to any outstanding recalls, when I bought it privately as the 2nd owner. They reported than nothing was outstanding but this thread makes me wonder how I can either register the vehicle with Volvo as the new owner for the purposes of any bulletins or keep informed about any recalls.

Anyone know?

[pacman67]

Originally Posted by RM955I

I checked with my local dealer a few weeks ago with regard to any outstanding recalls, when I bought it privately as the 2nd owner. They reported than nothing was outstanding but this thread makes me wonder how I can either register the vehicle with Volvo as the new owner for the purposes of any bulletins or keep informed about any recalls.

Anyone know?

You can register your car on the My Volvo section of the Volvo website. Just Google My Volvo.

[sssxw23]

Originally Posted by Scooser

My 2009 V70 D5 was subject to a recall in 2011 at its second year service to replace the tensioner and belt. I'm sure I was told the recall was replacing the hydraulic tensioner with a mechanical one.

First question I would ask is whether the call was successfully recalled for any modifications earlier in its history, as most cars have been subject to a quick recall, given it is a big safety issue if you throw a cam belt at high speed, given the loss of power. If you look at the VOSA recall reason it purely mentioned safety associated with loss of power.

If not, was this an official recall, as it seems odd they were undertaking this on a 5 year old car, as most checks are done pretty quickly after purchase, and it is not like Volvo are not aware of this one.

Volvos were throwing aux belts well before my 2009 model, so to think they still have problems on 2011 models smacks of incompetence. The wheel/cycle of improvement should have designed out this fault within months, not allowing the same issue to surface year after year.

When you had you can belt done, was the aux belt tensioner replaced at the same time. If it anything like my D5 the aux belt and tensioner should be changed every 54k, with cam belt every 108k miles.

Finally, I'm interested to know if the where any tell-tale signs that the tensioner/belt was about to go, such as unusual engine noise, or did it go without any advance warning signs?

no warning signs - I was on the hydraulic tensioner - warranty check was issued Oct 2014 - this is the third aux belt tensioner to be fitted. I have also contacted Volvo directly with no movement on 15% contribution!

[JohnCav]

Originally Posted by Old Keswickian

I have a 2010 XC70 D5 which is without doubt the best car I've ever had and until this week drove like new. I've always serviced it at a main dealer and adhered to the schedule. It was last serviced at 90k and due another at 108k when the belts were due for replacement.
This week the aux belt tensioner failed on the motorway at 105,000 miles wrapping the aux belt around the timing belt and trashing the engine completely.
The dealers have quoted repair over £9k for a new engine and offered a "contribution" from them and Volvo of just over £2k leaving me with a bill for £6,800 which is approx the value of the car.
Help needed. Has anybody got experience of trying to claim back the costs from Volvo and/or the servicing dealer?

My sympathies are with you this is exactly what happened to me on the 3rd January this year. But surprisingly I knew about this issue having damaged my previous V70 with it failing. However my previous car was repairable but the latest one not after the aux belt knocked out my timing.

I had the aux belt and a tensioner wheel replaced in November 2015 but somehow the bearing on the tensioner went again fraying my new belt and sending bits of it into my timing belt housing.

Telltail signs for me is the noise from the engine when this tensioner bearings start to wear but this can not be heard inside the car when driving. The only way to really notice is if you are driving in a location when the engine sound is able to rebound back from a solid surface like a wall and you drivers window is open.

[daithevet]

Originally Posted by JohnCav

My sympathies are with you this is exactly what happened to me on the 3rd January this year. But surprisingly I knew about this issue having damaged my previous V70 with it failing. However my previous car was repairable but the latest one not after the aux belt knocked out my timing.

I had the aux belt and a tensioner wheel replaced in November 2015 but somehow the bearing on the tensioner went again fraying my new belt and sending bits of it into my timing belt housing.

Telltail signs for me is the noise from the engine when this tensioner bearings start to wear but this can not be heard inside the car when driving. The only way to really notice is if you are driving in a location when the engine sound is able to rebound back from a solid surface like a wall and you drivers window is open.

Did you have the tensioner changed at a main dealer and is the damage being repared under warranty?

I ask because I had both belts done in December at 4 yrs and 45k when the cam belt was diagnosed as the cause of slight whine. I've now noticed the noise has come back and am a bit wary about even driving it back to the dealer.

The first time zero contribution was offered towards replacing the cam belt 2 years early. I asked what would have been the contribution had it failed and wrecked the engine, apparently consequential damage would have been covered at the same % as the part that failed, so a big 0 for me.

[Element888]

If I could get enough people ( at least 5!!!) I could organise some sales for this protection, which wont let aux belt get into timing belt area. Price would be around GBP 60 inc delivery around UK. To fit this is DIY Job around 10-15 min. Let me know via PM and I will make seperate thread for sales.
Some info and photos here:
http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showpo...4&postcount=23

[RM955I]

I've replied. I am interested - please let me know what happens next: presumably you need to get the minimum numbersto have these made as I guess it's not off the shelf.

Thanks

[Clan]

Originally Posted by spyboy

Oh dear what a sorry tale. I came to Volvo after having a terrible time with Audi over an A4 Avant Quattro which eventually I got rid for an XC70 2011 MY with Polestar, now 45k on the clock with full dealer service.
Until I read this thread I thought the V70/XC70 were pretty much faultless as long as you kept to the service intervals. I love the car btw
Was I wrong?

as long as you visit the dealer regularly for service this would have been picked up long before it failed . The only Specialists are the dealers unfortunately they have all the info to hand .