Timing belt/hydraulic tension change - 1996 N/A 850 Est.

850Bill · Post by **850Bill** » 28 Sep 2025, 06:43

What are the recommended timing belt/tensioner changes - Mileage/Years?

I did not change the hydraulic tensioner last time as it had no leaks and tested ok. The tensioner as far as I know is the original and has now done 260,000 miles. Should I not bother to test it next belt change and fit a new one or would you test and if ok, go again?

Post by **scot850** » 28 Sep 2025, 07:00

I know cars with similar mileages with the original hydraulic tensioner still in use. However, my opinion is if you plan to keep the car, on the next timing belt change I would consider changing it for no other reason than the age and it has oil seals that will fail. The cost of the new part v's the cost of a bricked engine is no comparison. My other recommendation is to use the OE Volvo part or if anyone knows who the OEM supplier is use their part.

Neil.

Post by **Sveedy** » 28 Sep 2025, 10:55

I believe that Aisin is the OEM for the tensioner.

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 28 Sep 2025, 12:03

Good question. I was just looking at timing parts from my 96 last night. I replaced everything about 2 years ago, and the parts I removed (pulleys, tensioner and water pump) look and feel fine. I'm debating on whether or not I should scrap them. I think they have about 90K miles on them.... odometer didn't work at the time, and I hadn't gotten an OBD2 reader yet, so I'm unsure of the mileage when I did the belt.

aeg · Post by **aeg** » 28 Sep 2025, 17:33

There was a thread recently with info from Abscate about changes to the recommended interval by model year. These are my summary notes:

Code: Select all

'93 50k
'94-'97 7 year / 70k
'98 (hydraulic tensioner) 7 year / 70k
'98 (mechanical tensioner, engine 1266196+) 10 year / 105k
'99- 10 year / 105k

I think it's a good idea to change the tensioner and both pulleys with every timing belt change. Some people suggest replacing the water pump once every two timing belt changes.

Post by **jreed** » 29 Sep 2025, 05:20

I have been following aeg's practice above, and change both pulleys and the tensioner with each belt change. I replace the water pump every other change.

Post by **CIK7** » 29 Sep 2025, 20:48

850Bill wrote: ↑28 Sep 2025, 06:43 What are the recommended timing belt/tensioner changes - Mileage/Years?

I did not change the hydraulic tensioner last time as it had no leaks and tested ok. The tensioner as far as I know is the original and has now done 260,000 miles. Should I not bother to test it next belt change and fit a new one or would you test and if ok, go again?

I have the entire kit for sale in classifieds. Interested?