timing belt replacement

We are about to purchase a '96 960 wagon with 108k on it, in
excellent condition (rap wood). The timing belt was replaced at 70k.
I have been quoted between $300 and $350 to replace the timing belt the
next time around (I believe it would be due at 140k)....but one mechanic
insists that you gotta also replace everything related to it, such as
tensioners, or you risk destroying the engine. Others, including a Volvo
dealer,
made no mention of such a requirement. Would appreciate any discussion on
this. Best, Art

 

Replacing the tensioner is not required, but probably advisable.

Like frequent oil and filter changes, it is a form of insurance.

 

I've heard that, while not absolutely necessary, it's the prudent thing to
do. Also the water pump since that has to come off to get to the belt.

 

Definately replace the idler, tensioner roller and water pump.

Tim..

 

I have a 960 with 148k mls on it. I need to replace the timing belt,
(and at your advise), the idler, tensioner roller and water pump. ANY
IDEA on what I am looking at price wise? Can I do any of the work
myself?

 

Why would you need to remove the water pump to replace the timing belt?

 

This is a leftover from late-200/700/940 with B200/230 engines and should be
unnecesary on 960/850 with lowish mileage. However it is a wise precaution
on higher mileage cars as the water pump DOES wear out before the engine
will..

All the best, Peter.

700/900/90 Register Keeper,
Volvo Owners Club (UK).

 

I recall one post here last year (?) from a fellow who replaced the timing
belt but not the water pump in his 850 The water pump seized and did
horrendous damage to the engine. It was largely in response to that post
that I have changed my view from "maybe change water pump" to "always change
water pump" in engines that have a timing belt driven water pump. Since then
I have seen a couple more posts in the Honda forum regarding seized water
pumps and valve crashes.

Mike

 

It's the other way around; you'd have to remove the timing belt to replace
the water pump. Since the incremental cost of doing the water pump is
relatively small, it's a good investment to go ahead and replace it when
the timing belt is already being taken off instead of risking having to
do all the work again just to replace the pump.


Gary

 

Looks like this job, done right, is in the $600-$800 range depending on how
lucky you are in finding a truly competent, truly honest mechanic (rare as a
winning lottery ticket in my 50 years of looking but I haven't given-up
hope). One mechanic says some owners quietly dump cars just ahead of the
timing-belt-change time to dodge the expense (which might make sense with
some vehicles). Skol...