1997 Volvo 850 - Chirps near belts

Post by **xHeart** » 27 May 2014, 08:44

Memorial day check up under the hood, found it chirp few minutes after first starting the engine.
It was noticeable this morning too, even with the hood down.

Some posts hint to auxiliary belt and tensioner, anyone with similar problem and fix?

Many thanks.

Post by **cn90** » 27 May 2014, 08:56

Best is to remove the serp belt, then spin every pulley:
- PS Pump (rarely a problem)
- Alternator pulley
- Tensioner Pulley
- Idler Pulley
- AC Pulley

Post by **xHeart** » 27 May 2014, 10:52

cn90 wrote:Best is to remove the serp belt, then spin every pulley:
- PS Pump (rarely a problem)
- Alternator pulley
- Tensioner Pulley
- Idler Pulley
- AC Pulley

I will check these once home after work.
meanwhile...
There is no visible deterioration of drive belt.
Is Alternator and AC pulley serviceable?

Post by **xHeart** » 28 May 2014, 07:57

The storm last night slowed the progress, here is an update.

Engine running and chirping, the tensioner shakes visibly near the area where it rotates to release. The vibration can be seen over the 12mm mounting bolt.

The ribbed side of the drive belt have cracks every 1/8". It hasn't been replaced for a while, Oct 2008.
Pump pulley has mild play while holding over 3/9, 12/6. Faint whine when rotated.
There is no noticeable play at A/C, idler, and alternator, these all turn to a touch.

Common sense is telling me to replace the belt, tensioner, and idler pulley very soon -- like today.

Post by **abscate** » 28 May 2014, 08:29

Park and rent a car, if needed, indeed.

Cancel red alert.....serp belt, not timing belt

Apologies

Post by **cn90** » 28 May 2014, 08:49

xHeart,

Once is belt is removed, check:
- The AC Pulley has a bearing inside the pulley (the bearing inside the Zexel compressor is another business). The AC Pulley bearing should last some 180K or so.
- The PS Pump Pulley is hardly ever a problem in this forum.

The basic minimum you should do:
- Serpentine Belt: Conti 6PK1743 (Autohausaz.com)…$21 (don't toss the old belt, keep it in the trunk just in case).
- Serpentine Belt Idler Pulley (PN 9146139…$39) and Tensioner Pulley (PN 272136…$29).
Volvo OEM.

All the procedure is below. You will likely need a propane torch to undo the Torx bolt on the serp belt tensioner (Step #33 in the link below):
DIY: 1998 Volvo S70 Timing Belt, WP, Cam Seals, SB Overhaul
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=53722

Post by **erikv11** » 28 May 2014, 09:20

xHeart wrote:... Common sense is telling me to replace the belt, tensioner, and idler pulley very soon -- like today.

I am pretty sure you're talking about the serp belt and its tensioner and idler? Then sure you should replace them and cn90's advice is spot on for that, but there is absolutely no need to "park the car and get a rental" etc., just don't go on any long trips. If this belt system fails during use it would be an inconvenience, not a catastrophe.

Post by **xHeart** » 28 May 2014, 11:08

After reading the DIY, I can do the repair this evening after family time.
I checked with local Volvo parts, it is in stock. I will pick up three blue boxes for few $ more on my drive home - a 22 miles safe detour.

Many thanks.

Post by **xHeart** » 29 May 2014, 08:13

This task wasn't difficult.
Raising the front over the wooden ramps helped with my back, ibuprofen was spared.

I did the basic minimum, i.e. replaced belt tensioner, idler pulley, and the belt.
But could not get the torque at idler pulley 12mm bolt, not enough room for socket and torque wrench. It is hand tightened.

Using offset wrench to snap on the plastic cover with little lube was perfect.
Volvo belt is 1/16" thicker than the one removed.

Post by **cn90** » 29 May 2014, 09:12

Is it quiet now?

What was the culprit?