V70 2.4T - Timing Belt Service Interval - how far can I push it?

Jonboy74 · Post by **Jonboy74** » 21 Aug 2022, 00:16

I know the SM says every 105k to replace the timing belt....

Last time the belt was replaced was January 2014 @ 178,079.

I'm presently at 285,871.

So...that belt is at 107,792...

Well, as I am typing this, I may have answered my own question...

Now that I'm looking through my records, it may be that the ONLY time that belt was replaced was at 178k.

I'll need to call my indie shop to check with them, because they are the only ones who would have done it, as I bought the car with only 60k on it.

Regardless, what is everyone else's experience here? Any horror stories of timing belts gone bad?

Thanks,

Jonboy

Post by **jonesg** » 21 Aug 2022, 00:33

the belts don't break, the pulleys wear out and throw the belt.
the water pump is due too.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Aug 2022, 01:34

I went 140k o my first 1999T5 belt, 100k on the second.

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 21 Aug 2022, 05:48

jonesg wrote: 21 Aug 2022, 00:33 the belts don't break, the pulleys wear out and throw the belt.
the water pump is due too.

This is sound advice.

With the mileage and age of your 2002, if you throw a belt, it's time for another car. The cost of repairing the engine just won't be worth it.

I believe if you are thinking about new belt/pulleys/wp/seals, you know it needs to be done.

Good luck.

deano1 · Post by **deano1** » 21 Aug 2022, 05:56

If it looks like this you should probably replace it

Jonboy74 · Post by **Jonboy74** » 21 Aug 2022, 11:30

93SCMax wrote: 21 Aug 2022, 05:48
jonesg wrote: 21 Aug 2022, 00:33 the belts don't break, the pulleys wear out and throw the belt.
the water pump is due too.
This is sound advice.

With the mileage and age of your 2002, if you throw a belt, it's time for another car. The cost of repairing the engine just won't be worth it.

I believe if you are thinking about new belt/pulleys/wp/seals, you know it needs to be done.

Good luck.

Actually... I'm not 100% confident. I've done a LOT on this car, but doing the timing belt would be further than I have ever gone. I've replaced the suspension, front axle, brakes, coil packs, turbo intake and vacuum lines, serpentine belt and alternator (twice), and I've replaced water pumps on OTHER (non-Volvo) vehicles, but nothing I have ever done has involved the timing belt or any seals. Speaking of which, specifically what seals are you talking about?

I found these videos, and it seems straightforward, but time consuming....I have all of the tools I need...

Thanks,

Jonboy

Jonboy74 · Post by **Jonboy74** » 21 Aug 2022, 11:57

Ok, nevermind - I did some more looking and realized we're talking about Cam seals...

But now my question is.... should I replace these seals regardless, or only if there are leaks?

Jonboy

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 21 Aug 2022, 13:35

If you replace the TB, WP and both pulleys, and then have a front cam seal blow out later, you will have a real oily mess on your new parts. and you'll be redoing the belt anyway. Best to do the seals while you are in there. Just need to make sure the cams are locked (don't move) and the cam gears are reinstalled in their original location.

Patience is the key.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 21 Aug 2022, 13:38

I believe seals are OK if they are not leaking caused by high crankcase pressure. Have you maintained the PCV system and does the engine pass the glove inflation test? If the PVC has not been serviced and you fail the glove test, then plan on cam shaft seals with the other parts.
If you have done the other work you listed, you should not have trouble with timing belt, water pump, etc.
volvolugnut

Post by **kallekula** » 21 Aug 2022, 13:55

Timing belts hardly break it’s usually the WP that gives up and causes the belt to come off. Almost every single one I’ve seen that broke was a Hepu.