Aux Belt and Alternator "Rubber Connection" service interval

[jadnhm]

Hi all,

I've recently been reviewing the service program for my new-to-me 2008 XC70 with 275k km/170k miles.

It lists the following items:

Auxilliary Belt, Belt Tensioner, Idler Pulley, Clutch, Guide Pins
- replace according to the service program
or
- replace at a maximum 10 year interval


Rubber Connection, Generator
- replace according to the service program
or
- replace at a maximum 15 year interval



The 'service program' suggests that they be replaced at 240k km/150k miles, which my car has exceeded, and I'm coming up pretty close to the 10 year interval now anyway...

I'd like to assume the belt, all it's attendant running gear listed in the service program, and the 'rubber connection' whatever that is, were actually replaced at 240k km, but I doubt it - that sounds like an expensive job and something that would be put off by a lot of owners.

Does anyone have experience having these parts replaced or doing the replacement yourself? I'm not afraid to tackle it but I'd like to have some idea of what I'm getting into.

I inadvertently saw an engine apart to have the bearing replaced on the gear/shaft that runs the aux belt and it was not pretty. Nor did it look in any way 'inexpensive". I would really l like to take care of this system preventatively.

Any advice is helpful.

[abscate]

I don't know these cars well, nor these parts but if these are the serpentine belts, not the timing belts, then replace the belt only ( cheap and DIY) and inspect the rubber parts for cracking. Replace if they look old and weathered

When you have the belt off, spin the idlers and see if the are free and not showing age.

In the fresh clean ozone free air of the Maritimes, rubber parts last a long time

It's probably $500-600 at dealer to get this done

[jadnhm]

I spoke with an indy volvo mechanic I am friendly with and he said this must refer to the special wide belt that is used to drive the alternator. From what I've been able to find in VIDA thus far I'd say this whole thing with the engine aux take-off and the belts to drive the accessories is a bit complex. He also said he's never seen one fail (the 'rubber connection' which has this 240k km service interval) so I think I'm probably ok to leave it until next summer.

I have had the intake off the old 5cyl engine and it looks like this one wouldn't be much worse.