Timing and water pump

[davolvo]

Hello everyone,

I am replacing my radiator and want to replace the timing belt and water pump at the same time. I have a 1996 960 with 200,000 miles on it. A couple of questions:

1. Is it a good idea to replace the timing belt and water pump since it will be apart? Everyone I know says "if it isn't broke don't fix it" I don't know that I agree with that.

2. Should I purchase the tensioners for the timing belt as well?

3. I can find new water pumps online for $34 - $50, is there anything special I should know before I buy one?

4. I was quoted $499 for the labor to install the radiator, timing belt and water pump; does that sound fair?

Thanks for your input. I really appreciate your knowledge.

[SkyVolvo]

From my own research on the subject, it's a good idea to do all of those things. 200k is about the right time to do the water pump, and if you don't know whether the tensioners have been replaced they're worth doing too (I think some people replace them every time just because they can, but I believe they're an every-other-time kind of thing).

It's worth getting a good water pump - I'd check fcpeuro.com (it looks like they list three different brands available for your car). Check the boards - I remember hearing people say the Aisin was solid, and some of the people at the turbobricks forum really like the Hepus, but not the GMBs. (http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=39487)

I have no idea what the labor costs should be, although $500 is a chunk of change. I recently had a mechanic replace my 850's radiator because I didn't have the time to deal with it, but last summer I was able to do the timing belt, tensioners, seals, and crankshaft pulley on my 740 on my own. I was initially really intimidated by the project because the stakes were higher than most other things I've done on my cars before, but I found a really good walkthrough with photos. If you felt up for the challenge, there are some walkthroughs for the 960 timing belt as well, and it's incredibly rewarding to do your own work (not to mention cheaper):

http://www.atthetipwebs.com/technologyi ... g_belt.htm

[SkyVolvo]

See also another set of detailed instructions here: http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/EngineS ... BeltChange

And the MVS thread here:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... php?t=8312