My '97 850 is creeping up on 288,000 miles. After looking through previous service records I found that the timing belt was replaced at about 216,000 miles. Including cam shaft seals, front crank shaft seal, water pump, timing belt tensioner roller assembly, and timing belt idler roller assembly. I guess according to the manual's recommended 70,000 mile service interval on the timing belt. I'm just barely past due.

Basically I'm wondering what are opinions on that 70,000 mile service interval (how far can you push it) and what other parts would be recommended to change considering most everything was new at last change?

 

As the sound of crickets fill the room...

 

I go 100k

 

replace the belt if all the tensioners and pulleys were replaced last time around. but i wouldnt wait if i were you

 

...the sound of crickets...
Good one rspi!
100k for me too & only the TB.

 

There is probably 900 threads on this subject, I'm surprised we are participating in another.

Anywho, for the 9th time... If you do NOT know the belt history, replace everything ASAP. I suggest people replace the belt only ever other change. I never suggest anyone replace a water pump that is not leaking. I suggest someone replace the tensioner, idler and tensioner pully every other change unless they find a stiff or worn roller - in that case it should be replaced right away. So, if are doing the job yourself, have all parts on hand and change them if they seem warn. I also suggest that everything be replaced if the items are 10 years old (except the water pump). It would be a good idea to put the sticker where it wont get damaged and will be easy to see and read. I always install it on the ECU box cover or in the glove box door. Mark the sticker with all of the info, see the pic below.

 

Thanks for the replies. rspi if you would have actually read my post, I clearly stated the belt history. But thank you anyway. Could you point me toward one of the 900 threads that may have a walk through for DIY?

 

LOL, I seen that you posted the history. So, as for your specific question, just do the belt, unless you pull the belt and one of the rollers is going bad.

I posted all of my comments for the masses that will find this thread later, and hopefully get their question answered, then move on without the need to post and wait for a reply.

I purchased a 960 with 53k on it. The car was 11 years old, never a belt change. I had the belt only replaced. About 14 months later, I heard a squeeking noise coming from the motor when the car was cold, Tech told me it was likely one of these roller in the timing line going bad. Sure enough, had to do the belt, roller, tensioner and the water pump because it was leaing a little. The belt only had about 26,000 miles on it, however, the rollers, etc. were all 13 years old.

As for the threads, there are several sticky's that talk about timing belts. The 850's, S70's and V70's between the years of '94 and '98 all have the same belt maintenance schedule. There is a sticky in the 850 section that has the DIY instruction for the 850 belt which most people use. I used it on my daughter's S70 GLT. Not hard, just make sure you mark your cams clearly and turn it by had a couple of times before you start the car and you'll be fine.

As for the other 900 threads/post, do a search and you'll watch the wave come in.

 

Thank you again.