Can you replace cam seals on a 2000 V70XC without a cam locker?

[scot850]

Many thanks. I am with you on the quality v's price, but for an occasional user the cheaper ones may be ok. Will take the last version as a " need to look into further".

Neil.

[Ozark Lee]

So long as the tool doesn't snap when you torque down the center bolt in the CVVT hub any of them are fine, they all do the same thing.

If you were just changing the rear seal you wouldn't need it but if you remove the hub then it is a must. I tried to do it without one by eyeballing the back of the camshaft and then using an impact to tighten the bolt but, even after many attempts, the camshaft moved enough that I couldn't get the engine to run without throwing a P0019.

...Lee

[scot850]

Thanks to you as well Lee. This confirms the picture that was emerging that indeed a tool is needed for the seals, although if the rears can be done without it then that may depend on what actually failed. For me I am anal about these things so I would replace the fronts too, but it is not my car. My friend can decide themselves.

Neil.

[highmiles]

I bought the cheap version. Like many cheap tools it seems that operator judgement and perhaps, ingenuity play a larger role than with the more expensive versions. My experience with cheap tool was OK.

[Eddystone]

Thanks guys. It would look like the consensus so far is you do need the rear cam locking to remove the VVT.

Based on that, then in my 2nd post with the list of locking tools, any suggestions on why the price variance and which is possibly best?

Neil.

Neil, read the online reviews for these tools that APPEAR to be identical. Some of them are just simply made from steel that is not up to the job, and they fail. Out of ignorance, I took on doing a timing belt on a 2000 S40 knowing nothing about the VVT system. It's a REAL mess to get the timing right and the belt where it needs to be once you have released the spring tension on the exhaust cam without locking the gears. I think you can use a simple inexpensive locking tool to hold the gears stationary while you do a timing belt, but you need the proper tool at the rear to remove the timing gears from the cams and get at the seals.

[scot850]

Thanks Eddy. My friend bought a cam locking tool. She has a couple of Volvos of the 99-00 era and is a mechanic. She decided it was worth buying the tools to do the job as they are likely to come into use in the future. They have a shop in a small town so more use is likely!

Neil.

[abscate]

If you go cheap on this tool...


Take the bolts they ship, throw them into Lake, and replace with grade 10 from a reputable source.

Search for the thread ..”.bolt snapped off in cam , now what?” If you want to know why

[scot850]

Good point. I'll pass on the info.

Neil.

[FREEBUSINESSES]

You can replace rear seals without cam lock tool, but impossible to break loose hubs without locking cams, near impossible to break loose with cams locked, took a big breaker bar for mine. And don't forget to replace O ring which is difficult to see, and often overlooked, but that is where most severe leaks start from for than cam seal which barely leaks in most cases, unless of course your PVC system is clogged.

[scot850]

Great warning and input. Many thanks,

Neil.