2001 S80 Tool for serpentine belt removal

rib · Post by **rib** » 29 Aug 2010, 18:46

Looking for the tool used to remove the serpentine belt. Appears to be a torx star type of tool but unable to locate the tool anywhere on the internet. Need to replace the alternator and the first step is to remove the serpentine belt. The area to work in is extremely tight so I can not use a ratchet. Do I need to take the vehicle to volvo to have the alternator replaced or can I do it myself?

Post by **JDS60R** » 29 Aug 2010, 18:56

Usually done like this

DrDootz · Post by **DrDootz** » 30 Aug 2010, 11:40

You can do it yourself. I never did it before and took about 2.5 hours to remove it and 1.5 hours to put it back in. I used a breaker bar and 15 or 16mm socket to move the tension pulley. Once you release the pressure the belt comes right off. They have a supertine belt tool at Harbor Freight for around $13 that would make this easy. It is a long bar and a couple of different size sockets. The long bar gives enough leverage to move the easily move the tension pulley. I had the alternator "rebuilt" and tested at a local shop for $72. I think they changed the regulator module and did a load test. The module would have cost me $50 so I thought it was a good deal. Give yourself 4 or 5 hours and you'll be fine

Good Luck

Dr. Dootz

rib · Post by **rib** » 30 Aug 2010, 13:10

Thanks for your help and advise. The problem I am having is that in order to remove the serpentine belt I need to use a male
star type bit that fits into the belt tension mechanism. I have seen tools on line that are slim enough to fit between the belt
and the side of the vehicle but none come with the star bit. I purchased a torx t 60 bit that fits into the "female" star on the tension mechanism but am unable to use it because once attached to a ratchet it is too large to fit into the star. I even inserted the torx star bit into the belt tension release and then attempted to attach the ratchet but there was not enough room.

There is a box on the fender wall that houses what appears to be some type of plug in computer module. If I could remove that box I would have plenty of room but do not want to cause further problems by attempting to remove this box, especially if it
has computer modules in it.

By the way, this 2001 Volvo was manufactured in Sweden. Don't know if that makes a difference but in most comments about
this situation people keep referring to usage of a 15 mm or 16mm socket to release the belt.

Again, looking for the star type of tool that is used to release the belt tension mechanism so I can get the serpentine belt off and on.

Thanks again for your help.

Post by **JDS60R** » 30 Aug 2010, 14:22

Please post a picture. Very unusual case.
If needed buy a torx bit and use a wrench to turn on the shaft of the torx bit.
Please post pic -concern is that you are on the wrong pulley.

ECM box can be removed but is better if not disturbed.

rib · Post by **rib** » 30 Aug 2010, 19:36

I am trying to upload a pic...in the meantime, here is the link that shows it. You can see the star in the middle. - rib

http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/p ... 99-2004%29

rib · Post by **rib** » 30 Aug 2010, 19:38

I have attached a photo ... the star is circled...thanks!

Post by **JimBee** » 30 Aug 2010, 20:46

+1 jds60r could you insert the torx bit with an adaptor—say 3/8 x 1/2", then get a spanner wrench on the adaptor. That might buy you enough room to loosen it. Just a thought.

Post by **JDS60R** » 30 Aug 2010, 21:26

I see the pic. Thanks

IPD lists this but I'm not sure how it works yet.
http://www.ipdusa.com/version.asp?strPa ... &V_ID=2765

Post by **JDS60R** » 30 Aug 2010, 21:40

Friends in S80 land advise me that your pulley has a black cap in the middle of it that is hiding a 14mm bolt. It pops off easily.

Mention was made of a 3/8 allen key fitting somewhere as well but I do not see where yet.