Serpentine Belt Pulley: Febi used to have INA in the box, now something else...

[cn90]

- I did my 2005 XC90 timing belt, serpentine belt last year. At that time, the Serp Belt pulley came from Febi (bought from Autohausaz), which had INA pulley and the cap in the box.





- I just did the Serp Belt job on my 2004 V70 with 105K miles.

1. The Belt still looks good with virtually no cracks.

2. The pulley is free-wheeling, grease dried out.
- The Febi Pulley still has the "made in Germany" label but it is now different.
- The Volvo INA Factory Cap is 45 mm.
- The "new" Febi Cap area is 46 mm, so the factory cap does not fit.
- I simply don't wash the engine with pressure-washer, so even without the cap, it is NOT an issue for me.
- This is just a note for those who are particular about INA, then you need to be sure you buy INA pulley.

3. The Serp Belt Tool is a MUST!

4. Repacked the OLD pulley with fresh grease (use a pick tool to lift the seal, cleaned old grease, packed new grease, gently tap the seal back: check the other side so you know how much to press the old seal back: I just used thumb pressure, then run my finger nail to be sure the seal is about 0.5mm below the surface).

5. Put the OLD belt and OLD pulley (with fresh grease) for long distance trips; better to have something than nothing in an emergency.

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[cn90]

- I bought the Pulley from Rmeuropean, the website clearly says "INA" but they put a Febi in the shipping box.

- Not a big deal b/c the pulley has NSK bearing and I am fine with it b/c NSK is good stuff, just cannot install the dust shield. No big deal.

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[oragex]

Did the same greasing on my pulley, if it's not too worn, this will extend it for quite some time, surely 2-3 more years.

Speaking of grease, it's also easy to pack the strut bearings, this way it will last the life of the car www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnoy6ixh2WA

Later on, got an almost new one from the junkyard, genuine. Same with a timing belt kit (after purchasing a miserable Dayco kit), very easy to find recent ones genuine or Contitech (same as Volvo) at the junkyard, the tensioner has the date stamped behind the little hand.

As for Febi, I've learned my lesson. Got a set of spring seats in the same boxes as in the pictures above, Made in Germany on the parts as well, cracked in less than 1 year.

[cn90]

- Febi is a hit-or-miss now.

- For my BMW, febi Flex Disc is made by SGF, the original mfg of Giubo for BMW.

- The Febi serp belt pulley, 6 months ago it was INA pulley in the box, now it is something else. But I am not worried b/c the bearing is made by NSK, a very reputable Japanese company.