03 S60 T5 5 speed manual

[abscate]

It's about $500 in reasonable markets , 20-30% more in urban centers

[tryingbe]

13 year old rubber belt, get it changed ASAP. If it breaks, your engine is done. No idea on cost, I change my own timing belt.

[Tstory205]

So I've talked to the long term mechanic that's been dealing with my s60. He gave me a rough estimate of $600- $700 for replacing the timing belt. He also said that $700 would include all new belts and water pump. I plan to get this done shortly after the 1st of the year.

I really appreciate everyone's insight.


One last question that's been on my mind lately. The plastic trim on the doors and bumpers is wicked faded. Does anyone have any experience with remedies for this? Should I just go with a restoring compound? Or replace the parts?

[oragex]

So I've talked to the long term mechanic that's been dealing with my S60. He gave me a rough estimate of $600- $700 for replacing the timing belt. He also said that $700 would include all new belts and water pump. I plan to get this done shortly after the 1st of the year.

I really appreciate everyone's insight.


One last question that's been on my mind lately. The plastic trim on the doors and bumpers is wicked faded. Does anyone have any experience with remedies for this? Should I just go with a restoring compound? Or replace the parts?

For the molding, get some decent black liquid shoes with a small sponge, 2-3 coats should be fine

As for the timing belt, by all means don't touch the water pump. Most Volvo dealers don't replace it with the first belt.

Also important is to use a quality timing belt kit - belt, tensioner and roller. About $100 off Ebay. Takes 2-3h at most to replace, most of us could do it in 1h30. Search on forums which brands Ina, Continental, have a good reputation, because garages will usually put the cheapest stuff and it simply doesn't last. Mine was cheap and didn't last one year.

[Tstory205]

I don't have any experience with timing belts, or working on volvo's in general. My friend that I bought the car from has nothing but great things to say about this mechanic. Maybe I can talk to him about the parts he's going to use to replace the timing belt.

As for the water pump, I absolutely do not want to have it replaced with the timing belt?

[precopster]

If you absolutely want the water pump replaced because you trust the mechanic that's an extra $150 for parts at retail and an extra 45mins of labour you don't need as they are very well made. If you must put a new one in make it an Aisin WPV-800 as this is what the factory fits and you can find them for $70 online.

Most other WPs can and will fail prematurely and cause catastrophic valve damage; I've seen the bearing seize and shift causing the impeller to seize against the inner water jacket. These are interference motors and any timing parts need to be well thought out. INA is the tensioner and pulley manufacturer; stick with them and you can't go wrong. Belts from Gates (T331) is fine or Optibelt or Continental or genuine.

Also Volvo sells the blue boxed timing set through dealers such as Tasca often for small change more than seeking the parts separately.

Others will chime in on boxed set specials and their preferred Volvo dealer for parts.