98 S70 Timing Belt Mechanical Tensioner Question

[scot850]

I remember doing my first mechanical tensioner on a 98 V70Xc using an aftermarket tensioner. I tried multiple times but never managed to get it to line up right and it would move every time I tried to torque it. Lost count of how many attempts it took. I went to the local dealer and spoke to them, and a very kind parts guy swopped it for an OE part and returned the aftermarket one as a faulty part!. Fitted the OE part and it lined up and torqued up first time and no issues at all. I put that down to poor quality aftermarket parts, and would only use Volvo part if I have to do that again!

Neil.

[theWIFES_S70]

Update... The tensioner is in the window!

I need to drive it around for an hour and see if I get that sound again. I have a feeling I won't, but maybe that's just me being hopeful! (It's July 4th! I want to believe those fireworks I hear outside my window are for me!) This tensioner arm seems to be more steady. I've never been able to keep it in the window in all the time I've had the car. I'll keep an eye on it and listen for the sound. Thank you all for your suggestions. I am going to send back the OEM Volvo tensioner I had in there before.

Here's an updated video...


If we're fortunate enough to get to another timing belt, I'm going to convert the car to a hydraulic tensioner and will be done with this foolishness!

[rspi]

Good deal. As Lee said, the first video was hard to watch. Scared the heck out of me.

I believe you need to make sure you have some tension on the forward side of the belt before you try to set the tension on the tensioner. So, with the belt tight between the intake cam / idler roller / crank, your slack will be on the water pump side, where the tensioner can do it's work. Then I roll it over by had and recheck the setting. Then I start the car, shut it off, and make sure it's still set. If need be, I set it again. Then start the car and check it again.

[abscate]

Update... The tensioner is in the window!

I need to drive it around for an hour and see if I get that sound again. I have a feeling I won't, but maybe that's just me being hopeful! (It's July 4th! I want to believe those fireworks I hear outside my window are for me!) This tensioner arm seems to be more steady. I've never been able to keep it in the window in all the time I've had the car. I'll keep an eye on it and listen for the sound. Thank you all for your suggestions. I am going to send back the OEM Volvo tensioner I had in there before.

Here's an updated video...


If we're fortunate enough to get to another timing belt, I'm going to convert the car to a hydraulic tensioner and will be done with this foolishness!

Marco..if you go to the hydraulic tensioner you might have to go back to the 7 year/70k interval on the timing belt. The interval changed to 10/105 in 1999 based on the new design

On edit..cancel that, I thought you had a 99. Stick with 7/70k

[theWIFES_S70]

Thanks! Lets just see if she makes it to the next timing belt first!

I didn't know you could swap around tensioners on these cars. I might have done in the first place had I known. Lesson learned. Given the reliability of the hydraulic tensioner, it really seems like a swap that should totally be done.

[abscate]

Given the reliability of the hydraulic tensioner, it really seems like a swap that should totally be done.

Hydraulic tensioner 70k miles/ 7 years

Mechanical tensioner 105k miles/10 years

[theWIFES_S70]

OK, so the sound is still not gone... The sound is less pronounced. But still there. (Seems to be quicker to occur when I turn on the A/C.) I noticed that the bearing on the serpentine belt tensioner is really "dry" sounding so that will probably have to be replaced at some point. This sound couldn't occur from that, could it?? I didn't check the idler pulley as that was Volvo branded and brand new when I purchased it.

Here's the sound. Please forgive the stupidity of this video. I was driving around and couldn't really film and drive and shift! If I'd had a mount, you wouldn't have seen much. Just Queens, NY.

The sound happens around 2 mins and 5 seconds.
https://youtu.be/Ti6jXreWhWk?t=2m2s

I couldn't check the tensioner when I got home because my hood latch releases are still broken and I need two people to open my hood... (I know, I know...).

In order to readjust the tensioner, I loosen it first and then move it, and then torque it down again, right? Or do I just put an allen on it, move it, and then tighten it? I've always done the former. Thanks for all the support, guys. I was about to order a hydraulic tensioner set up, but man, talk about pricey! I might just have to pony up for one of those cheap-o kits available at Rockauto! (Just kidding!)