I haven't posted up in a while mainly because a) Car has been running perfect b) work has been busy and c) the girlfriend and I have been busy having as much fun as we can before it gets really wintery out. Nonetheless, yesterday was a victory day. The 960 finally made it to the big 200,000 miles!! I hope she'll keep going strong. Now it's time to get the t-belt done, which is something I will be doing for the first time -the P/O changed it a month before I bought the car- what is a reasonable price that I would expect to pay to get this done at an independent volvo shop? I'm figuring I'll probably do the water pump as well....

 

The timing belt change should run about 800 and change. Its a 2-3 hour job. Its a good idea to have the pump done as well, tensioner, and both idler pullies. there are a few good places to buy parts from online if you want. they can be cheaper than buying them from a dealer or parts store. FCP Groton ( i think thats how its spelled) and eEuroparts are both very good online websites! Be sure to check the serpentine belt as well. If its looking rough or cracked change it too. These can break and get sucked into the T-Belt case and snap-jam-or-throw off timing.

 

good to know. I replaced the serpentine belt and its tensioner earlier this year, and both still look good. Thanks for the suggestion with FCP. I've bought several things from them before and it definitely may save me a few bucks if I get my parts from them. I'll have to look into it.

 

$800 bucks for a T belt change is more in the realm of the Stealership! Independents I would say might charge $300-$350, but that's for the belt. I would add about $75-$100 for the water pump if you add it (IMO I would!) Most independents right now charge in labor any where from $65-$85 per labor hour... Stealers I would say on an average are about $150

 

I'm so glad My dad and I know how to work on our cars. I just couldn't justify paying someone that much money an hour to work on my car.

 

I think I paid about $350 for the belt only. If you go all out, it should run around $600.

 

ok great. I do all my own work myself, but this is something that would make me beyond pissed if I messed it up. Coincidentally it will be the most amount of money I have spent on the car since I got it. haha. God it's been such a good car, and I want to keep it that way, so I'm going to entrust it with the mech at a local independent swedish shop. The $350 range sounds a lot better than $800

 

I spent $800 at A&G Imports in Chatanooga, Tn. They replaced the T-belt, waterpump, every tensioner, ( I think 3 or 4) and serpentine belt. All were genuine Volvo parts. I have ordered a couple of other things from FCP Groton. Reasonable price & fast service.
Hope this helps

 

At the 200,000 mark I would go with having everything replaced like jlgood50 did. It's just good preventive maintenance if you plan to keep the car another 12+ months.

 

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