Accessory Belt Tensioner - Pulley or Assembly?

a3inverter · Post by **a3inverter** » 22 Jan 2023, 09:45

All,

Testing this morning confirms that my accessory belt tensioner is bad...spins easy and sounds like an old roller skate wheel.

Looking it up at FCP, I note that:

1. My tensioner has a ribbed pulley but both the INA and Volvo OEM ones have flat pulleys
2. The pulley is available separately

So - does the ribbed vs flat matter? Digging around on other sites, I can't actually find a tensioner with a ribbed one. My guess is it doesn't matter.

Regarding replacing the pulley only...I'm thinking this is false economy as the INA pulley is not available (only Febi and Gates)...but what's typically done? I have no reason to question the actual TENSION of the tensioner.

I'm be getting a new Continental belt to replace the old one...it doesn't look bad but while I'm there I might as well replace it.

Post by **cn90** » 22 Jan 2023, 09:56

The ribs on the serp belt are for the accesory pulleys (alternator, AC compressor, PS Pump).

The tensioner pulley is flat, but over the years of service, it will develop a very very slight grooves
from the belt.

No worry, just look at FCPEuro website and buy them.

Post by **Blacklab467** » 22 Jan 2023, 11:58

FCP has the Volvo branded pulley, get this and a new Conti belt and you're done. Don't try and save 30 bucks on any other brand. Thats false economy.

Post by **cn90** » 22 Jan 2023, 15:20

Not true.

INA pulley is the original supplier and is much cheaper.
INA makes pulleys for BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, VW etc.

Post by **erikv11** » 22 Jan 2023, 15:21

Shouldn't have grooves/ribs, most likely is there's an aftermarket on there.

Replace with either the one Blacklab mentioned or I'd probably (if it's aftermarket junk on there) go with the whole assembly as you mentioined in your. opening post https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... er-99-plus. That's what I did on both of my P2 cars, S60 and XC70.

a3inverter · Post by **a3inverter** » 23 Jan 2023, 07:32

Not sure if it's aftermarket or not. My intent was to go with an INA product either way, just wondering if replacing just the pulley was SOP vs replacing the entire assembly. I think the non-availability of the INA pulley solves the dilemma...plus at 178k perhaps there is wear on the pulley fastening bolt that suggests replacing that as well...and then the whole assembly is the more cost effective approach. Doesn't appear to be too challenging to replace based on videos I have watched.

a3inverter · Post by **a3inverter** » 23 Jan 2023, 07:42

I DO still have a question about the accessory drive belt. My car (2006 V70) is factory code 2 = Ghent, Belgium, with chassis code 585642. The drive belts that FCP offers all call out that they are specific to the chassis number

"Note: Up to chassis number (last 6 of your VIN): -FC 21; CH -582963, FC 22; CH -583172. "

So, my car is beyond this range. Thoughts? I have reached out to FCP for their thoughts as well.

Post by **firstv70volvo** » 23 Jan 2023, 08:38

a3inverter wrote: ↑23 Jan 2023, 07:42 I DO still have a question about the accessory drive belt. My car (2006 V70) is factory code 2 = Ghent, Belgium, with chassis code 585642. The drive belts that FCP offers all call out that they are specific to the chassis number

"Note: Up to chassis number (last 6 of your VIN): -FC 21; CH -582963, FC 22; CH -583172. "

So, my car is beyond this range. Thoughts? I have reached out to FCP for their thoughts as well.

There are two belts and I think the difference is in the length based on the Continental part numbers; 6DK1841 and 6DK1825. I think you may need the 6DK1825 belt because this is what's used for the 2007 model year but I noticed on the FCP site it doesn't include this belt number for the 2006 model year just the chassis range for the 6DK1841 belt. I looked at the 2007 model year and the belt number has changed to 6DK1825 so I'm assuming this is the belt you'll need but check with FCPEuro and if this is correct tell them to also include the 1825 belt in the 2006 year model year section too. Check your old belt for the part number too.

EDIT: I looked on the IPDUSA site and it has the 6DK1825 belt fitment for the V70R model only so not sure what's the correct belt for your car now.

Next EDIT:
Here's the Volvo part number for your chassis range and I believe the 6DK1825 Continental part number belt is equivalent.
https://usparts.volvocars.com/p/Volvo__ ... 31811.html

a3inverter · Post by **a3inverter** » 23 Jan 2023, 09:11

Thanks. I have reached out to FCP and will relate what they respond with.

Post by **firstv70volvo** » 23 Jan 2023, 09:26

a3inverter wrote: ↑23 Jan 2023, 09:11 Thanks. I have reached out to FCP and will relate what they respond with.

I think either belt will fit your car but Volvo did change the recommended belt for your chassis number and it looks like the later belt may be slightly shorter in length (based on the part number, not 100% sure). Maybe Volvo wanted to put more tension on it since the tensioner will be wound a little tighter, or they changed a pulley diameter on one of the accessories.