'98 V70 Serpentine Belt Tensioner Shredding Timing Cover?

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 23 Jan 2018, 15:33

Well, because I just have to tear into things when I hear a new noise, I've discovered something interesting.
I noticed a squealing sound coming from the belt last week, and after investigating, I'm pretty sure it's the tensioner.
Now today I go to remove the tensioner to spin the pulley to see if I can replicate the noise (I couldn't, but I still don't feel great about the tensioner and nothing else is making noise). Then I discover after removing the timing cover just to inspect the timing belt to ensure the noise isn't coming from there that my timing cover seems is shredded on the bottom. I'm pretty positive it's happening from the serpentine belt side, and I'm pretty sure that's because of my failing Meyle serpentine belt tensioner. That's what I came here for... I wanted to ask others' input before ordering a new tensioner.
I don't think it's the harmonic balancer, and everything seems to be straight (no wobble on any pulleys).
Any objections before I dump some more money on this thing?

You can see the shreds of plastic on the harmonic balancer

Red line is the edge of the pulley, blue line is the edge of the belt.

Timing cover

Back of timing cover (timing belt side)

Post by **cn90** » 23 Jan 2018, 17:23

- Use INA pulleys only.

- The TB cover might have been installed incorrectly, the cover has tabs that need to be in the correct holes (shown in your photos).

Post by **oragex** » 23 Jan 2018, 18:06

cn90 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2018, 17:23 - Use INA pulleys only.

- The TB cover might have been installed incorrectly, the cover has tabs that need to be in the correct holes (shown in your photos).

Throw away that Meyle thing (along with other Meyle parts installed). As above, Ina or Volvo, same for the timing belt, Gates Ina or Volvo. Hopefully no Meyle water pump or something similar.

Same for the cover, the cover is tricky to insert properly at the bottom, takes some convincing, perhaps get a used one and make sure it's properly inserted

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 24 Jan 2018, 09:24

Odd, I posted last night but for some reason the post didn't save. Anyway...
I just ordered a new INA tensioner last night after posting here. I might want to check that the order went through... hahaha
I figured to stick with INA though. I've had good luck with Meyle with some parts, but from the time I put this tensioner in I haven't been too thrilled with it.
I have no intentions of going with any brand other than INA/Continental/Aisin for my timing belt job... which I need to do soon along with cam seals and an NA cam swap (there's always room for a couple extra horsepower!).

I'm pretty sure the cover was in correctly, I'm usually careful with it. It's a shame because I just put that cover in a couple months ago and it was nearly perfect... both tabs on top are actually in tact, which is a rarity for a used one.

Anyway, I'll go ahead and add in... when replacing the tensioner yesterday after inspecting it, I broke the head off of the bottom bolt. Will I be okay to drive the car until I replace the tensioner and bolt? The top bolt is nice and tight and I can't move the tensioner by hand. I'd rather not risk it going and damaging my timing belt and inevitably my valves, but it's my only car right now.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 24 Jan 2018, 10:50

Let me add to that buy only INA that comes in a blue Volvo box from a known source. The market is flooded with counterfeit INA rollers and they do exactly what your issue is, make the belt track incorrectly. Avoid "OEM supplier or OEM Vendor" parts when it comes to that part.

...Lee

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 24 Jan 2018, 17:03

Ozark Lee wrote: ↑24 Jan 2018, 10:50 Let me add to that buy only INA that comes in a blue Volvo box from a known source. The market is flooded with counterfeit INA rollers and they do exactly what your issue is, make the belt track incorrectly. Avoid "OEM supplier or OEM Vendor" parts when it comes to that part.

...Lee

I ordered an INA from FCP Euro. I noticed a review on there that said the bearing had some play, so interesting to know it's a common problem. If I have issues, I'll go ahead and order a genuine Volvo tensioner.

Post by **rspi** » 25 Jan 2018, 09:29

cn90 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2018, 17:23 - Use INA pulleys only.

- The TB cover might have been installed incorrectly, the cover has tabs that need to be in the correct holes (shown in your photos).

LOL, The timing belt cover IS getting chewed up by the harmonic balancer at the bottom. Very common issue.

The serpentine belt is forced to track correctly due to the tracks in the belt and pulleys. It falls in the track of the harmonic balancer, the alternator, power steering pump, etc.

Also NA cams are NOT for GLT cars, only the 2.3L HPT mods.

Post by **erikv11** » 25 Jan 2018, 09:44

Also no go on Gates timing belts, several people here have posted about problems with them. Continental (or Volvo) only on the timing belt.

Post by **rspi** » 25 Jan 2018, 09:47

Oh, I would NOT drive with a bolt missing from the belt tensioner.

I also don't bother cam seals that are NOT leaking. My car had 363,000 miles on the original seals with no issues. I only replaced them because I had to pull the head.

Post by **scot850** » 25 Jan 2018, 10:30

I have found that with age, even if the cover is fitted correctly it can rub on the balancer. The plastic seems to deform at that lower edge and can push it onto the back of the balancer wheel.

Having a belt pushing on it will also allow it to push and it seems to bend the bottom end of the cover bowing it outward. You may want to check this once the tensioner and belt are back on or if you are kicking your heals waiting for the parts. You may be able to rectify this with a little persuasion from a heat gun and bending the plastic away from the balancer.

Neil.