Hello Forum,

I am a longtime Volvo owner. I currently own a 2007 V70. Our serpentine belt is bad and causing the engine to cut out. I've never fixed our Volvo before, but we're on a pretty tight budget currently and I think I can accomplish this. Is it risky to replace a serpentine belt as a first project? Are there any mistakes I should watch for? Also, I see that it's important to replace the tensioner pulley, but it looks like new tensioner pulleys come with a smooth surface. Is it safe to have a smooth surface, or should I look for a grooved pulley? Finally, where is the best place to purchase a replacement kit that would include the grooved serpentine belt and the tensioner pulley? Thank you!

 

How is it "causing the engine to cut out?" Because the belt is not installed and the alternator is not charging and hence the battery is dead?

Belt replacement is straight forward - I would recommend making a diagram of the belt routing before belt removal. You will need a very long tool to be able to move and hold the tensioner out of the way to get the belt on. I use a long wrench like pictured below. Anything shorter is very difficult to keep the tensioner pulled back while trying to get the belt in the generous 1 inch gap volvo gives you to work in! You might need a 3rd hand to hold the tensioner while you organize the belt. And I have found a sepentine belt "stick" (pictured below) is very helpful while working in that generous 1 inch gap.

Certainly a new tensioner (not just the pulley) would be appropriate if the car has a bunch of miles on it. (there have been making cases where the serpentine belt shreds and gets caught under the timing belt causing bent valves $$$$) It is thought/known that a worn tensioner can push the belt slightly and cause that belt damage.

The kit below may not be the correct one for your engine - but continental is a good brand (and might be the OEM manufacturer)