Serpentine belt replacement grinding noise

[axle123]

Hello all,

Firstly, thank you for reading this, and apologies for a slightly rambly post.

Secondly, good lord working on the 3.2 is increasing my evening beer consumption more than lockdown.

I have replaced:
Alternator, alternator decoupler pulley, idler pulley, tensioner, water pump and serpentine belt. I also resealed the brake vacuum pump.
I followed a series of detailed instructions on various forums, and felt relatively confident in doing so - I am more than happy to share my experience/ links if people would like.

Upon re-assembly, I am hearing a grinding noise linked to the engine RPM. it seems to be coming from the READ area, or from the timing chain cover area.
Noise -

I have put in the old water pump, removed and re-replaced the alternator (including the locator dowels I left out first time), opened and rechecked the vacuum brake pump, and most recently bought a "JM tools" brand volvo tool 9997262 (the jig to align the AC compressor bracket) and made sure it was in line. None of these have made any difference to the noise I am hearing.

Side note - do not buy a JM tools version of this Volvo tool from amazon - it is fundamentally flawed in the jaws not being able to close enough to grasp the alternator decoupler pulley. I used a piece of an old serpentine belt as a spacer to help it grasp.

My plan of action for tomorrow:
- Based another similar post recommendation, I am going to take off the serpentine belt and run the engine for a short period to see if the noise goes away. - i.e. see if it not something in the READ system making the noise.
- Check and re-torque the alternator decoupler pulley (31316803) and the actual alternator drive pulley (can't find part number) as I re-torqued both of these, and did not lookup a torque value - just did them a few 'uga-dugas' tight.
- Maybe flush the power steering pump if it is a noise coming from the READ assembly - however it doesn't sound like it is coming from the P.S pump.

I can't think of anything else to do - so if you have any suggestions, I am all ears.

Would anything I have done cause the timing chain to start making noise? As I understand it, timing chain failure is immediately catastrophic, so it probably wouldn't be that...

[pgill]

AXLE,

The PCV can make strange noises

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic32107.html

This link has more information and a few videos

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic31456 ... e&start=15

Good luck

Paul

[axle123]

Both very good links, much appreciated. I will update this post tomorrow after poking around more - for anyone else who might come across this.

[axle123]

Update:

It turned out to be the power steering pump - it was almost completely dry. I had visually checked the fluid level from the outside of the reservoir - which was about 5mm below minimum - and had intended to fill it up, assuming I lost a small amount leaving the PS lines disconnected while removing the water pump. On your recommendation (thread you linked) I checked for air in the PS pump reservoir, and found it completely empty with a layer of staining causing it to look mostly full.
CHECK YOUR PS STEERING FLUID LEVEL BY LOOKING INSIDE THE RESERVOIR (I guess is good advice).

I only ran it for about 3 minutes total trying to track down the noise, so I am not particularly worried about it running dry for that long.

Separate note (ticking noise on start-up - solved):

I had not run the engine properly in about 4 weeks at this point.
The engine made a ticking noise on start-up - increasing in frequency with rpm of engine. The ticking was loud.
Googling told me lifters or valves. I theorized that maybe all the oil had drained off of everything (??) and that it maybe needed running for a bit to redistribute. I topped it up with half a quart of oil (this engine needs about a quart between oil changes, and I was at around that interval) and took it for a long, light, freeway drive. Ticking is gone.

Thankyou again for your help pgill

[axle123]

Out of your list of things to replace on the 3.2, I have replaced:

Driver side engine mount. Others look to be replaced at some point.
Spark plugs
Aux belt, idler, tensioner.
PS fluid "flushed" lol.
Battery
ATF fluid replaced using gibbons but not as completely as could be.
Brake fluid
Coolant

Other things:
Front struts, boots rotors.
Rear rotors.
Water pump.


Only other thing I have encountered on my Volvo 3.2 is my steering lock jamming up.
I got an error "Steering wheel lock, try again". Wouldn't allow me to start car.
Tested battery for correct voltage, ended up getting a tow home.

Fix:
Found a great youtube video, the short of which is as follows:
I removed the steering lock - I had to use a dremel to cut a slit in a security bolt to do so - and simply sprayed the actuator with wd40, rinsed it a couple of times, and then tapped it with a hammer while in situ. This freed the actuator, and has not been a problem since.
Video:




Just in case any of this is of any help to anyone out there!

[800artfreed]

Although I don't own the S80 I really appreciate you reporting back to the forum the solutions to your problems as well as a recap of your repairs on your vehicle. Thank you.

[axle123]

No problem at all. I consistently get big help from these forums.

Thanks again!