Serpentine belt/tensioner/pulley 2007 XC90 3.2L (B6324S)

melissa · Post by **melissa** » 21 May 2013, 11:32

Hello All,

I'm a new member here so I'll do my best to include all the information up front but please be patient. I recently purchased a 2007 XC90 3.2L FWD with 145k.

A few days ago I noticed a rattling noise (like a box of small rocks) from the front of the vehicle. This noise was apparent at idle and low speeds but disappeared once I was driving above 25mph (approximately). We popped the hood and narrowed the noise to the serpentine belt area. I was told that, most likely, the idler pulley and/or tensioner are going bad and should be replaced.

Along with the noise, visually inspecting (in such a small space), we noticed grease on the belt and on the side of the engine block. To us, this made sense since, if one or both of the pulleys were bad, the bearing grease would be seeping out from it, hence the grease we saw.

First, I'm looking for a sanity check - does what I'm describing sound consistent with tensioner/idler pulley needing replaced?

Secondly, I do not have a mechanic I trust to work on this vehicle so I am looking for step-by-step instructions to replace these parts and most likely the belt as well (to be thorough). I plan to keep this vehicle for a VERY long time and understand the importance of timely/proper maintenance.

How difficult is this job? Scale of 1 (easy) to 10 (don't even attempt it)
How long should this take?
Are there any specific tools I will need to have?

I have been searching the web for something specific to my vehicle but have only found pieces and parts of information, some of which, is conflicting.

I also am in need of the schematic for serpentine belt as well - If anyone has it handy - it's not under my hood.

Thank you

melissa · Post by **melissa** » 24 May 2013, 08:21

UPDATE:

Started the car a couple days ago and had a warning light that my coolant level was low and the engine should be turned off. I did. Checked the coolant reservoir and it was almost empty. Filled it back up.

I've driven the vehicle a total of 15 miles since then. Yesterday I took the car to a local mechanic who put a stethoscope on the tensioner, idler pulley and power steering pump for me. He said the bearings in the power steering pump were bad and it needed replaced.

Drove it home (8 miles) and when I pulled in the drive I let it idle for maybe 30 seconds. Suddenly, I could smell coolant, just after that steam was pouring out the back of the hood. Turned off the car, popped the hood and the coolant reservoir was empty again. Started looking for obvious leaks and while doing that I could see the reservoir tank refilling approximately 1/4 inch again.

No leaks found anywhere. Power steering fluid is fine (which makes me think the pump is fine as well and there is something else going on) Checked oil - fine.

I'm becoming stumped...it's such a strange list of symptoms I don't even know where to start now.

Thoughts?

jetskifast · Post by **jetskifast** » 24 May 2013, 09:05

Sounds like you may have small coolant leak in or near heater core.

melissa · Post by **melissa** » 24 May 2013, 09:08

Thanks for responding...what steps can I take to verify this? After 5pm today this is my (a couple knowledgable friends) project for the weekend.