1999 c70 timing belt water pump kit & seals by super auto

Post by **jbougearel** » 08 May 2015, 13:04

Purchased a timing belt kit with water pump and seals by Super Auto through True Blue Parts.
Says on the Super Auto box
>Premium Quality parts
>OE Form, Fit, & Function

Talked to my mechanic, and he warned me that volvo aftermarket seals are notorious for leaking. I have a high degree of trust with my mechanic....so what do you think about the after market seals for the timing belt and how should I or would you proceed?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 08 May 2015, 16:27

That statement is largely true. I have no idea what you actually bought since it is likely some other manufacturer that got re-packaged so it may or may not be a good seal. Chances are that it falls into the "may not" category but who knows.

In the aftermarket world the seal that consistently works is SKF brand and the brand that consistently doesn't work is Elring. I was in a pinch and bought a rear camshaft seal from CarQuest, in a CarQuest box, for my son's 850 and it actually worked fine.

...Lee

clifford06 · Post by **clifford06** » 08 May 2015, 18:06

Greetings. In my opinion, "Stick to the known parts and brands". You don't want to end up like and me "Stalled on Freeway". Pulling my head and replacing due to a no name waterpump locking up.

Post by **cuhfs** » 08 May 2015, 18:32

DITTO... I did not use OEM serpentine belt, though I used a name brand (Good Year Gator Belt) bought on sale from Rock Auto and it shred, caught behind crank shaft pulley and jumped the timing and ruined engine head. Some here on the forum will argue and have suggested it was 100 percent installer error. Yet, first time I did not use OEM belts and first time in 10 timing / serp belt replacements that I have had this happen. Just one mans opinion, I will never use anything but OEM in the engine area if it can potentially cause a throwing off of the timing. Like the water pump mentioned above.

Post by **cuhfs** » 08 May 2015, 18:32

DITTO...

clifford06 · Post by **clifford06** » 08 May 2015, 19:10

Thanks. Many think that OEM only is the way to go. I bought a kit with a name brand. Only the belt was name brand. Waterpump was a no name. Lasted a year. Wasn't being cheap, just thought I got a good deal. My first major preventive maintenance service. Now I'm doing the head. Just be careful.

Post by **cn90** » 09 May 2015, 07:41

I use aftermarket parts all the time but there is an exception!

Aftermarket parts I use: NGK spark plugs, light bulbs, brake pads, rotors etc.

The EXCEPTION is: Timing Belt. It does not matter it is Honda or Volvo or whatever, I stick to OEM supplier. Be careful with "OE fitment" blah blah blah statement from the aftermarket makers.
So: Volvo uses Conti to make the TB, INA to make pulleys, and Aisin to make the WP.
Once you know that, you can order appropriate parts.

Serp belt and TB are 2 items I stick to Volvo Blue Box parts or known OEM supplier.
Anything else is Russian Roulette. A few dollars saved today (or your impatience of having to get the parts TODAY at local parts store) will likely result in 30-hour job fixing the cylinder head!!!