Hello, this is my first post here. I recently purchased a 1996 850 Non Turbo with the B5252S engine.

I have the service record from the two previous owners and it shows the last timing belt job was done in Dec 2015 at 62k miles. The last timing belt job replaced the belt, tensioner, tensioner pulley and idler pulley. The car is currently at 90k miles and mostly driven on highway.

I’m planning to replace the timing belt since it’s been more than 8 years. But I’m wondering if I should replace the belt along with the tensioner and the pulleys? I assume the life of tensioner and pulleys is more mileage dependent rather than time dependent? I’m on a limited budget so that’s why I’m asking about this. Thank you!

 

you can check online resources for the service interval, but I believe for the 850s its 70K miles/7 years. Since the car is new to you, I'd change it at your earliest possible date. The job is not too bad since there's no VVT gear to reset and there's a low cost cam lock tool available at IPD and FCP if you go DIY. As with any timing belt refresh, always go with a new tensioner and inspect the idlers and serpentine belt. PS - I have the 850s serpentine belt removal tool which I can sell - PM if interested.

 

Change the water pump while you're in there.

 

OEM Volvo water pumps are very stout and don't need to be replaced with every belt change. Given its a 20 YO car, its a good suggestion to check the maintenance history and if there's any doubt as to when the pump was serviced, its a good time to replace. PS - on my 850T, the water pump lasted the life of the car (250K miles when retired)