Changing my timing belt

felito · Post by **felito** » 19 Jun 2006, 18:49

My 98 s70 has 107,000 miles on it and has never had the timing belt replaced. From my research it looks like I risk breaking down any minute.

So far it looks like I need a Timing Belt, Idler Pulley, Tensioner, and Damper. Am I missing anything?

Do you change the water pump as well or is that an option?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 19 Jun 2006, 20:11

I think you're okay with the water pump...just check it and if it's okay then go for the next one, but do it within 70K miles this next time and change out the water pump then. Most of the time they begin to leak before they really go. Volvo water pumps are known to be sturdy and not apt to cause issues. I think you've got a complete list of stuff you'll need. Just make sure you get the right belt and tensioner. In '98 there was a mid-year change from the automatic tensioner to the manual one. I have the automatic one but you may not. www.fcpgroton.com shows you how to check your engine number to be sure.

stoutlogic · Post by **stoutlogic** » 20 Jun 2006, 05:49

IMO water pump is a personal choice at 100K. The way I see it, while you have it open is it worth $55 in parts as an insurance policy? Although cleaning the mating surfaces can be a PITA. I changed mine @115k since I didn't want to chance having to open it back up in the near future.

That being said, the local indy Volvo shop agrees with Made In Japan, says the water pumps are generally not an issue until the second timing belt change.

Post by **pfeener** » 20 Jun 2006, 08:47

The general concensus would say to just replace the belt and inspect the tensioner for leaks if it's hydraulic and replace the tensioner if it's mechanical. The idler and water pump will typically go well beyond where you are now and if they do fail before the next belt change it's really no biggy to get in there and change it then. (assuming the water pump shaft doesn't break off, but that could happen with a new pump as well if you get a defective one)

My 98 S70 has the original water pump and idler at 191K miles. I plan on changing them out at the next belt change at 210K.

Post by **matthew1** » 20 Jun 2006, 19:02

For what it's worth, I had my timing belt changed ~4 months ago @ 75k miles, and the very reputable/honest independent mechanic changed the water pump. It was leaking a tiny bit down the shaft.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 20 Jun 2006, 19:53

If the water pump is leaking in any way, then it's time to change it.

felito · Post by **felito** » 21 Jun 2006, 19:43

I spoke to an independent mechanic, and informed him that I purchased all the parts needed to change my timing belt, damper etc. I would just need him to charge me for labor. He told me he would call be back in a hour.

The next day he called me to tell me it would cost $300 just for the labor, this is on a 98 s70.

I already paid $300 for the parts (VOLVO OEM), so thats $600 in total for all the work.

Is he ripping me off or does this sound like a resonable price?

Thanks in advance

Post by **pfeener** » 21 Jun 2006, 20:18

If he were just changing the timing belt, $150 would be a reasonable price for labor. With the water pump, idler and new tensioner, $300 might be on the high side but not outrageous.

stoutlogic · Post by **stoutlogic** » 22 Jun 2006, 06:35

Its about 3.2 hours per the book for everything. Multiply by shops labor rate of 80-100 / hr and your right in the ballpark. Plus you must realize the shop isn't making any money off the parts as they usually do.

If you have some metric hand tools, impact gun with a 30mm socket, torx sockets, 3/4 breaker bar you could do it yourself in a day.

If your not mechanically inclined its better to pay for the service. If you put the belt on wrong you could cause severe damage to the engine.

aldug · Post by **aldug** » 29 Jun 2006, 06:03

What do you need the 3/4 breaker bar for?