Hi all, I just purchased a 1998 volvo s70 car, it is non-turbo 5 cylinder engine, now the mileage is 133000, the preowner changed the timing belt once at 73000 miles, and the engine ID (located in the timing belt cover) is less than 1266127 so the tensioner should be hydraulic, I think the preowner didn't change this tensioner, do I need change this tensioner? some guys suggested to replace the water pump and the timing belt at same time, in my case, do I need to change the water pump at this mileage? how abut the serpertine belt? now I know this belt never been replaced, do I need to replace it? I read some article in the volvo forum, some people mentioned the timing belt will cause serious damage when it fail, do I need to replace it right now? if all the above things, timing belt, water pump, driver belt, all need to be replaced, that is a big bill, is it worth to replace these thing instead of purchasing another used car? hope you guys can give me suggestions, thanks a lot.

 

Hi, yes I would really consider replacing the water pump, tensioner, and timing belt at the same time. As a matter of fact, when I do mine next weekend, I'm going to change idle pulley as well. They recommend belt change every 70k. If the serpentine belt has never been changed at 130k+ I would definatley change it, it has earned its money back.lol Yes if the timing belt breaks on your engine, it will be severly damaged. I would highly recommend changing timing parts at recommended intervals. You can get timing kits, it comes with belt, idle pulley, and tensioner for around $200, water pump I found for $55. Buy your own parts, and bring them with you if a shop is doing the work for you, it will save u a little coin.

 

When I first got my S70, my dad and I went ahead and took care of the Timing and Serpentine belts and water pump. My suggestion is that you replace those three at the same time, and make sure you have the automatic tensioner (I can't remember if the automatic tensioner is hydraulic or not).

 

My independent mechanic recommended water pump, timing belt, serpentine belt, and tensioner all at the same time. He said their experience was that if they did not do the water pump at the same time, the old one usually gave out a couple of weeks later.