On my 2002 V70 X/C, I just replaced the timing belt for the first time at about 105k miles. (as well as timing belt tensioner & idler. I'll do the water pump the next time around). Pretty simple job really. I removed the crank pully as it just made the job a bit easier, although I did use the crankshaft pulley holder ( ), which made removal a cinch, provided you're used to using a 4 ft cheater bar on the crankshaft pulley nut. If I'd had a better 1/2" impact (my older IR231 just isn't up for the task apparently), I probably could've removed it, but I got the holder primarily because I like to torque things during re-assembly.

I got it all back together and started it up, and had bearing noise at about 1100 RPM. Removed the serpentine belt and the noise went away. I spun the serpentine belt tensioner pulley by hand and it free-wheeled a good 30+ times before slowing to a stop - that tells me it's a bad tensioner bearing.

I have a new tensioner on order and expect it to resolve the issue. In the meantime, I thought I'd press out the bearing on the old tensioner. After all, if I could replace the bearing, I may be able to re-use the tensioner at a later date if need be (I know, the tensioning spring wears out too). Anyway, for anyone who's interested - not going to work. The bearing's OD is ribbed, and is apparently installed into the plastic pulley while hot during manufacture. For those who're interested, here's what it looks like - I broke the plastic pulley wheel trying to press it out (not a big deal since I have a replacement coming):

 

Damn, that is exactly what I was going to do, press out the bearing from the plastic pulley housing, and replace.

It is noisy now at 101K Km.

back to the drawing board

Thanks for posting.

 

Interesting. I'd be curious on brands of tensioners. Mine was replaced ~70K miles. I believe it is aftermarket and the tension spring must not be up to spec. At exactly 1,450 RPM I get a very annoying buzzing where the belt vibrates like a rubber band.

The suppliers have a few brands at all different prices. Or maybe it's the belt itself.

Bob

 

I'm pretty certain the tensioner I removed was OEM. The story may be different for aftermaket, but I can't be certain.

 

Rats. I replaced the serpentine belt and tensioner, and the sound remains. The only other items driven by that belt are A/C compressor, alternator, and power steering. I'm guessing either alternator or PS pump, but can't tell for certain. It has a sound very similar to , but it happens right around 900-11000 RPM only, which is just slightly off idle.

I listened to the sound when the A/C compressor cycles on and off, and it doesn't change. It also doesn't change when I turn the steering wheel, or turn the headlights on or off, so I'm a bit stumped. I may have to wait for it to get a bit worse before I can diagnose it for sure. Right now it's only mildly annoying - the car runs and drives just fine. I can't even be certain that the noise WASN'T there before doing the t-belt. The only thing that's certain is that the noise goes away when I disconnect the serpentine belt.