If your timing belt hits its cover, it could be your tensioner. When a timing belt tensioner fails, it can result in a number of symptoms.
1: Squealing, rattling, or chirping. When the tensioner or tensioner pulley fails, the loss of tension can cause the belt and pulleys to make high-pitched rattling or chirping noises. If the pulley bearing fails, it can also cause a squealing or even a grinding noise.
2: Knocking or slapping. If the tensioner is not keeping the belt tight, the belt can come loose and hit parts inside of the timing cover, including the cover itself.
3: Check engine light is on. Though noise is the most common symptom, a loose timing belt can also cause a check engine light from a variety of codes.
If your Volvo’s timing belt hits its cover, my first impression is that it’s lost tension. You can check the tensioner by removing the front cover. I believe it’s only one bolt thru the middle of the plastic cover. But you need to remove the serpentine belt to get access.
smokingslash »
great news changed the tensioner roller assembly and all is fine.
sent the old one back and will hope for the best
thanks for the help….
brian
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Last Updated on June 22, 2026
