belt tensioner "broke"?

us50931 · Post by **us50931** » 04 Apr 2019, 02:23

Just curious if anyone has encountered the same problem with the belt tensioner on XC90's (2008 V8). Had it in for service to resolve oil leak during which they replaced manifolds, etc; But in the final hour they called me and said the "tensioner broke while being reinstalled". I've included a pic where you can see the casting is broken. My gut says since this is a cast part, some form of force would be required to "break it", instead of it just being a wear and tear type item. Worse, this part cost me another $380.

So just wondering if anyone has seen this before and has more expertise than I do...I'd like the dealer to take more responsbility if in fact they "broke it". Thanks!

Post by **jimmy57** » 04 Apr 2019, 07:25

The spring is mounted on a shock/damper. You MUST use 6 point wrench or socket and you have to pull with a moderate force and wait for the damper. IF you pull too hard thinking it is just that hard to move then it breaks the hex as yours has done.

us50931 · Post by **us50931** » 05 Apr 2019, 02:11

Thanks for the reply. Based on that answer I'll assume some level of negligence on the part of the Tech.

Post by **ggleavitt** » 05 Apr 2019, 08:52

From the "source":

Removing the auxiliaries belt
Caution! Relieve the load on the belt tensioner by turning it clockwise to max. 230 Nm and lock the tensioner with relevant tool.
Caution! Ensure that 230 Nm is not exceeded when the belt tensioner is relieved. The torque takes more than 20 seconds to carry out without risk of affecting the belt tensioner.
Caution! Do not use excessive force.

If it's not the hex nut snapping off, it's spring damper damage. Bunch of posts on other Volvo sites, it's a recognized scenario.

As a side note, new tensioner comes compressed with the "hold" bracket, save for future use.

Post by **Roger_850T** » 06 Apr 2019, 10:38

ggleavitt wrote: ↑05 Apr 2019, 08:52 As a side note, new tensioner comes compressed with the "hold" bracket, save for future use.

I second this! I threw one away, thinking "the next one will come with one", then ended up having to buy one when I had to take the aux belt off for some other work. Since it's being done at a dealer, you may need to ask for it.

And yes, I also agree that the person working on it was careless and broke your tensioner.

Roger