A few questions about newly-bought 850 Topic is solved

lext · Post by **lext** » 04 Jan 2005, 16:41

I'm very excited to say I've just bought a 94 850 with only 89K (it's considered low, right?). The condition overall is quite good, however I'm getting mixed signal on the timing belt (one indy volvo mech says replace asap, another say it still has quite some life). My questions:
- How can you tell (from look, touch & feel) if a timing belt should be replaced? Assuming you don't know when it was last changed.
- If it's to be replaced (and I plan to do it all myself to save on $$), where (I mean, which website) is/are better to buy from? Do I need to look for a name brand, or must it be Volvo authentic? (I read the advice here, and considering how important this belt is, I tend to think quality should be the word to go by).
- The same question (how can you tell if it's still good/no longer good) for nearby component (water pump? other belts?).
- When I drive the car over a little bumpy road (not dirt road, just normal not-so-perfect freeway in northern california), the car feels stiff and rough. It feels ok on smoother surface. I guess it's not something critical, but I just want a better ride. Is it normal that way, or something may have gone wrong? If so how much would it cost (since I suspect it's not something I can handle myself) at the mechanic?

Thanx!

Post by **matthew1** » 05 Jan 2005, 10:13

- How can you tell (from look, touch & feel) if a timing belt should be replaced? Assuming you don't know when it was last changed.

There might be a sticker on the t-belt shroud saying if/when it was changed. Or visual inspection.

- If it's to be replaced (and I plan to do it all myself to save on $$), where (I mean, which website) is/are better to buy from? Do I need to look for a name brand, or must it be Volvo authentic? (I read the advice here, and considering how important this belt is, I tend to think quality should be the word to go by).

I've read that Cooper is the OEM for Volvo belts. That was ~3 years ago, so take it with a grain of salt. The OEM supplier might have changed.

- The same question (how can you tell if it's still good/no longer good) for nearby component (water pump? other belts?).

"They" say water pump on 2nd T-belt change. Tensioner should be fine till 2nd change for your model year.

- When I drive the car over a little bumpy road (not dirt road, just normal not-so-perfect freeway in northern california), the car feels stiff and rough. It feels ok on smoother surface. I guess it's not something critical, but I just want a better ride. Is it normal that way, or something may have gone wrong? If so how much would it cost (since I suspect it's not something I can handle myself) at the mechanic?

The 850 left something to be desired in ride quality on uneven road. Turbos are worse. The 70 series improved the ride (1998 on).

TAFinley · Post by **TAFinley** » 05 Jan 2005, 19:47

ContiTech is the OEM supplier of Volvo belts. Mann is the OEM supplier of Volvo filters.

The currently accepted practice on all the sites I've seen is to change the timing belt tensioner every other timing belt change (so you don't need a new tensioner until 140K miles). Consider doing the same for the water pump.

Although Volvo doesn't specify changing the trans fluid, you should probably do it every 25K miles or so. Check Bay 13 for the procedure.

Post by **matthew1** » 05 Jan 2005, 23:06

There's been talk of changing mech. tensioners every belt (1998+ MY) and hydraulic every 2nd (1997 MY or older). Someone just posted the serial #'s for the cutoff in this forum about a week ago.

lext · Post by **lext** » 08 Jan 2005, 10:19

Thank you all for your replies. I have another question: in one of the receipts from the previous owner, I see these entries for part purchase:
Part# 8103925 7 Reman Sc- D-49 $165.75
Part# 8104925 6 Core Char Core $300.00
Part# 8104915 7 Core Char Core $150.00

The owner doesn't remember what these are. Does anyone know what they are and what they're for?