Engine: 850 T5/R - Cambelt Change

cyclogenesis · May 12th, 2022, 13:43

Just in the process of ordering a cambelt kit from Volvo and the dealer said that on the early types, the tensioner is only changed if it is leaking, which is why they sell them separately. Is this correct?

Just for the record I have ordered one anyway, belt and braces

ITSv40 · May 12th, 2022, 16:01

The early tensioners are basically a hydraulic ram that puts pressure on the tensioner pulley to keep the belt tensioned. When replacing the timing belt the piston in the tensioner needs to be SLOWLY pushed back in and temporarily locked with a pin. Once the new belt is on, the pin is removed and the tensioner then tensions the belt. So unless the tensioner is leaking no need to change. Later tensioners are spring loaded and need changing with the belt.

CosmicBike · May 12th, 2022, 17:13

Exactly that^^. The later ones need a means of removing the tension and allowing you to put a restraining pin in place, IIRC it's a 19mm square drive, but I got away with a 1/2" ratchet handle locked in with an allen key alongside it.

volvo again · May 12th, 2022, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmicBike

Exactly that^^. The later ones need a means of removing the tension and allowing you to put a restraining pin in place, IIRC it's a 19mm square drive, but I got away with a 1/2" ratchet handle locked in with an allen key alongside it.

I think you maybe getting confused with the auxilliary (serpentine) belt tensioner...cambelt tensioner requires an allen key and spanner

4x4 · May 12th, 2022, 19:14

This is the cam belt tensioner and how to reset it. I would recommend using a vice rather than the C-clamp in the video CLICK

RollingThunder · May 15th, 2022, 11:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclogenesis

Just in the process of ordering a cambelt kit from Volvo and the dealer said that on the early types, the tensioner is only changed if it is leaking, which is why they sell them separately. Is this correct?

Just for the record I have ordered one anyway, belt and braces

I do exactly this, and for the same reason - the cambelt tensioner is a critical part, so I always change it when changing the cambelt.

CosmicBike · May 15th, 2022, 11:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by volvo again

I think you maybe getting confused with the auxilliary (serpentine) belt tensioner...cambelt tensioner requires an allen key and spanner

You're quite right, I did them both at the same time...

Clan · May 15th, 2022, 23:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclogenesis

Just in the process of ordering a cambelt kit from Volvo and the dealer said that on the early types, the tensioner is only changed if it is leaking, which is why they sell them separately. Is this correct?

Just for the record I have ordered one anyway, belt and braces

Yes the tensioner is "bomb proof" as they say and not routinely changed . if you take one apart and look at it you will see why.

May 12th, 2022, 13:43	#1
cyclogenesis Senior Member Last Online: Mar 14th, 2024 07:29 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Portsmouth	Cambelt Change Just in the process of ordering a cambelt kit from Volvo and the dealer said that on the early types, the tensioner is only changed if it is leaking, which is why they sell them separately. Is this correct? Just for the record I have ordered one anyway, belt and braces

May 12th, 2022, 16:01	#2
ITSv40 VOC Member Last Online: Today 08:26 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northampton	The early tensioners are basically a hydraulic ram that puts pressure on the tensioner pulley to keep the belt tensioned. When replacing the timing belt the piston in the tensioner needs to be SLOWLY pushed back in and temporarily locked with a pin. Once the new belt is on, the pin is removed and the tensioner then tensions the belt. So unless the tensioner is leaking no need to change. Later tensioners are spring loaded and need changing with the belt. __________________ 2001 V40 2.0lt Sport lux - Daily Driver. 174k miles. 2003 C70 2.4 GT Convertible - Garage Queen. 65k miles. http://www.neptuno6benagil.com Last edited by ITSv40; May 12th, 2022 at 16:05.

May 12th, 2022, 17:13	#3
CosmicBike Senior Member Last Online: Today 08:13 Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Surrey	Exactly that^^. The later ones need a means of removing the tension and allowing you to put a restraining pin in place, IIRC it's a 19mm square drive, but I got away with a 1/2" ratchet handle locked in with an allen key alongside it. __________________ 1993 240 Torslanda (Sold) 1998 V70 R (daily) 1986 Ford Capri (on-going roadworthy project) 2007 Ford Galaxy (dog lugger) Previous XC90 x 2, V70 x 2

May 12th, 2022, 19:14	#5
4x4 Premier Member Last Online: Today 13:05 Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: North of Hadrian's Wall & South of Antonine's Wall View Photos By: 4x4	This is the cam belt tensioner and how to reset it. I would recommend using a vice rather than the C-clamp in the video CLICK __________________ MY2010 XC90 SE (M66-manual) Magic Blue (467) Sold MY1997 850 GLT (62,000 miles) Silver Sand (419) MY2005 V70 2.5T (66,000 miles) Willow Green (471) Volvo 850 GLT website

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