Broken serpentine belt

DGB47 · Post by **DGB47** » 17 Jan 2009, 17:41

I broke down this evening and the problem seems to be the serpentine belt. Before replacing it I wanted to get advice to see if there is anything else I should be looking for.
The car is a 99 V70XC with 140,000 miles. A few days ago I noticed the belt squeaking, but I didn't investigate it. After the belt broke I checked the pulleys on the power steering pump, alternator and the A/C compressor, they all seem to be turning fine. The only other issue was I noticed the oil dipstick had been pushed out and there was a little oil splattered around. Other then that I couldn't see anything else. The engine continued to run seemingly fine and no lights came on except the battery light of course. I hadn't noticed that the belt was in bad shape, I think I had it replace maybe 40k miles ago. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Dan

Post by **Pauloil** » 17 Jan 2009, 18:17

I'd check the idler and tensioner pulleys as well and put on new belt. listen to the tensioner pulley after you put the belt back on.
with dipstick out, check the PCV system. You can have dealer check degree of vacuum and also watch for smoke coming out dipstick when car runs or after.
search PCV on this site and volvospeed.com

DGB47 · Post by **DGB47** » 17 Jan 2009, 19:34

Thanks, very helpful. I have also noticed oil leaking around the turbo, but I think it's coming from the ptc. I read some of the things written here about the pcv system and was planning on checking into more. I did the check for oil coming from the dipstick tube, but didn't see anything.

Sailing_Faith · Post by **Sailing_Faith** » 17 Jan 2009, 19:48

I would also take a look at the AC compressor. Of course you will have to install a new belt to check it.

The ac compressor may turn just fine with the car off, and also with the car running without the ac / defrost being on. If the compressor is seized it could brake the belt and still turn fine when the clutch was not engaged.

DGB47 · Post by **DGB47** » 18 Jan 2009, 12:03

In the daylight I was able to see that the tensioner pulley was completely obliterated. Now I'll be looking for instruction on how to change that out. Thanks for all the advise.
Dan