Timing belt - missing tensioner?

KHolden · Post by **KHolden** » 06 May 2020, 15:56

So I'm at 160k on my 1998 V70 GLT and decided its a good time to replace the timing belt and water pump. Got the kit, cracked it open, went to remove the hydrolic tensioner and much to my surprise there wasn't one. Was there a change made to the tensioner system or have I been driving around with my timing belt flapping in the wind for the last 7 years?

Sorry for the potato quality image.

Post by **misha** » 06 May 2020, 16:01

Yes....i think that '98 got mechanical tensioner.
Proper picture would be nice too.
If water pump is original and not leaking...leave it alone.

Also...if you got a Hepu for a replacement....i wouldn't bother to install it.

KHolden · Post by **KHolden** » 06 May 2020, 16:04

Ok, learned somethin new - all the vids I've watched had the hydraulic tensioner. And yea, potato quality was because all I was intending to show was the giant gap where I had expected to find the hydraulic tensioner.

Thanks... I'm off now to become a youtube expert on mechanical tensioners! (What could possibly go wrong?)

Post by **misha** » 06 May 2020, 16:11

I never messed with mechanical tensioner because i don't want to ruin something bacause of improper tension.

Hydraulic ones are so simple....no adjusting needed.

Just came across this...might be helpfull:
https://www.underhoodservice.com/volvo- ... tensioner/

KHolden · Post by **KHolden** » 06 May 2020, 16:21

You're filling me with confidence...

Here's a proper shot from above of the "mechanical" tensioner.

Richard99 · Post by **Richard99** » 06 May 2020, 16:23

I actually prefer the mechanical tensioner. It is much quicker to use an adjust, and it has the added advantage that you don't need to completely remove it to make the adjustments. It is very easy. There are several YouTube videos demonstrating how to set the tension.

Post by **misha** » 06 May 2020, 16:25

Yes....mechanical one.
Tensioner change from hydraulic to mechanical was somewhere in '98 from specific engine serial number and was continued to use afterwards in later models.

KHolden · Post by **KHolden** » 06 May 2020, 16:29

misha wrote: ↑06 May 2020, 16:01 If water pump is original and not leaking...leave it alone.

I've been occassionally hearing a "groan" noise from the passenger side when the car is in motion but not yet warmed up. I was concerned the water pump might be failing...

Water pump is Aisin btw. Timing belt is OEM.

Post by **misha** » 06 May 2020, 16:30

Richard99 wrote: ↑06 May 2020, 16:23 I actually prefer the mechanical tensioner. It is much quicker to use an adjust, and it has the added advantage that you don't need to completely remove it to make the adjustments. It is very easy. There are several YouTube videos demonstrating how to set the tension.

Lots of reports of failed mechanical tensioner(INA which is oem) before service schedule,while hydraulic ones never fails.

There is one report that plastic spacer felt of hydraulic tensioner causing the belt to jump.

Post by **misha** » 06 May 2020, 16:32

KHolden wrote: ↑06 May 2020, 16:29
I've been occassionally hearing a "groan" noise from the passenger side when the car is in motion but not yet warmed up. I was concerned the water pump might be failing...

Water pump is Aisin btw. Timing belt is OEM.

Before it fails...it starts to leak from the weep hole.
Since you got Aisin pump....go ahead.