2001 S40 VVT hub/sprocket movement question

Post by **alschnertz** » 22 Sep 2014, 06:45

2001 S40, 183,000 miles.

I’m in the middle of my cam seal replacement project and have a question about the variable valve timing (VVT) hub assembly. This is the turbocharged 1.9 litre engine with the VVT only on the exhaust cam.

I’ve locked the cams together with a locking tool on the rear side of the engine.
The intake cam sprocket is fastened to the intake cam with 3 bolts. That one is straight forward.

But the VVT hub has me somewhat confused. I haven’t removed it yet, so nothing has changed timing wise.

I saw a video of a 5 cylinder with a VVT on the exhaust cam and the disassembler was able to twist the sprocket maybe 10-15 degrees or so (guess) after the cams were locked. However, the hub in that video appeared different from the style I have and the guy mentioned that some are different.

Should I be able to twist the VVT cam sprocket after the timing belt is removed and the cams are still locked? I can’t. And am reluctant to remove the VVT hub/sprocket assembly until I have a clearer understanding that it’s save to do so.

Thanks for any help.

Post by **jimmy57** » 22 Sep 2014, 08:49

Your 4 cyl has the low profile VVT that has internal lock. All you need do is snug the bolt and then turn the VVT left-right until it locks (or it will not move because it is already locked). Once locked you turn it until the mark is aligned, fit intake gear with mark in right spot also with loose bolts and then fit belt and tighten belt (overtighten belt and then relax it to the proper tension range to assure the tension is equalized all way around) and then torque the bolt for VVT and the bolts for intake gear.

The mark on VVT gear may be faint or non-existent. In that case just fit it as above and once doen scribe your own mark. The mark is only there for future service to allow someone to change cam belt using the marks.

Post by **alschnertz** » 22 Sep 2014, 17:21

Your reply was a confidence boost. I pulled the VVT hub this afternoon with no surprises.

Now it's time to clean the oil mess that is everywhere. I'll probably use brake cleaner on everything. I can clean the VVT hub the same way, right?

Thanks

Post by **alschnertz** » 29 Sep 2014, 18:17

I finally finished this job last night. It was a PITA, but rewarding none the less doing it myself.
It probably took 12 - 15 hours, but I'll bet half of that time was spent cleaning and learning.
Everything is working fine and I appreciate the help.

Livens · Post by **Livens** » 09 Oct 2014, 09:07

Glad you got it figured out, I had the same question when I did my 2002 S40, think I watched the same video as you showing the spring loaded VVT gear.

I see that you re-used your VVT gear? Mine had only 120k on it and the plunger on the VVT was spewing oil, had to replace the whole thing. Are you sure it was only your seals leaking and not the VVT too? At 180k its only a matter of time before that VVT gear starts leaking oil all over your timing belt. At the very least I would keep an eye under the TB cover every month or so.

I don't mean to sound negative, sorry if I did.