hi all!
i have 120k around town miles. should i change my timing belt? is it in fact a timing "belt" or a timing "chain?" i am reluctant to go to the volvo dealer in my area.

thanks!

 

How comfortable are you with general repairs?

Have you looked up the process already to get a little more familiar with what you will be dealing with?

 

The simple answer is "yes". In town is actually more stressful on a timing belt that relatively steady speed, lower rpm highway driving. And when you have the timing belt done, there are a few other things that should be done, too.
Such as water pump and belt tensioner since if they go, you'll essentially end up paying twice for labor.

The problem is this: if the timing belt snaps, your valves and piston tops become intimately familiar with each other to the detriment of the now-bent valves and probably damaged valve seats and suddenly-enlarged valve guides. Unless, of course, you enjoy spending money for avoidable repairs.

That being said, you may have one of those miracle 150K timing belts Volvo claims to put into California emission spec engines, but you'd have to check your owner's manual to find that out. Timing belts lead a hot, fast life and won't last forever. Most cars in the past 15 years or so are belt, rather than chain, due to EPA noise limits. Belts are quieter than chains when spinning around at engine rpm speeds.

 

thanks for the advice! i have looked into the price, and the cheapest for the timing belt alone was $1100.00 i hate to assume it was because they heard a female voice onthe other end of the line. I live outside DC and everything is pricey here. Volvo told me it would $1680.00 (ish) for the timing belt, and the other little things that get done with it. I don't care for the Volvo Dealer in my area because they have already raked me over the coals for other things. I guess i'll try a few foreign auto places.

thnks again

 

Independent mechanics are better choice. Talk to people and find out who in your area is good with foriegn cars. I had mine done and it was about $650+. If it has never been changed you are really driving on borrowed time. $1100, if that is the best you can find, is still better than $3000 - $4000 for a new head and valve job.

 

what kind of car is it?

 

Don't forget there are also time in service limits for timing belts too, as an example, Volvo recommends four years on a B230FT.
Change it/ get it changed. Th ecost is nothing compared to teh incomvenience if having it let you down.

Regards, Andrew.