Hi, I have a 95 turbo, with 135000 miles. My questions is: what's the longest I can go on this belt? Has anyone dared go over the 70000 recommended milage? I think I will do it at 140000 to be safe but I had a jetta that went 110k on a belt so what makes the 850 so sensitive to a 70000 change? Thanks...

 

Do you have proof your timing belt has been already changed. If not, get it changed as soon as possible.

A timing belt kit from IPD with water pump will cost you less than $300. Add another $25 for 2 -one gallon containers of coolant. If your timing belt snaps, you will be looking at least $1,500 to repair the damage to the engine head.

PS - I recall Volvo recommends replacing the timing belt every 70k miles for the 850 model series or xx months. There are numerous write-ups on replacing the timing belt.

I hope this help

 

I know people that have gone over 110,000 on their belt. However, I've also read of them failing in 28,000. Any part in the belt path can fail and cause motor damage; Idler pulley, tensioner, tensioner pulley, water pump, or timing belt. So you have basically 2 questions: 1. Has the belt ever been changed? 2. If the belt was changed, was any of the other parts changed as well?

Not a big deal to change it. Why run the risk? If the belt was changed at 70,000 or less than 7 years ago, you are likely ok for a few more miles. If you don't know the history or you have roller noise, or water pump leak, you need to do it ASAP.

 

I would recommend doing the water pump as well. On my previous wagon the timing belt was changed by the PO but not the pump. 30,000km later, pump failed and had to change the timing belt again.

 

If the pump is 10 years or older, replace it. I have heard of people putting more than 300,000 on a water pump. Buy I wouldn't try that if the pump is older than 10 years old.

 

Well, there's just one question to ask yourself...?

 

To answer your original question: What is the longest I can go on this belt?


Answer: You can go until 1 second before it snaps. No further. Hence why Volvo recommend 70,000 miles. Because how long is a piece of string.