Hi, new to the forum. Have already learned so much from searching through this forum however I have one question regarding the stock/original timing belt/idler/tensioner.

I recently purchased a 2000 Volvo S40 1.9T with 111,000 miles . Kind of took a gamble since it did not come with any service history. I had some work done to it a week ago I had originally made the appointment to have the timing belt and all the other components that go with it changed since I wasn't sure if it had been done. Long story short the mechanic (indy not dealer) told me belt looked like it for sure has been changed before.. does anyone recall what the original belt/idler wheel looks like on this car? the belt does not look like it would have 111,000 miles on it but i know looks can be deceiving.

 

tough to answer since the service interval is 100K miles or 10 years - just about every gen 1 S40 should have had at least one timing belt change. the maintenance calls for replacing the belt and tensioner and you should inspect the serpentine belt as well since you don't want that to fail and take out the timing belt. Does the belt show genuine Volvo branding or aftermarket (ie Conti is what I used)?

 

 

thank you, I'm going to pull the cover off this weekend to look at it. Do I have to remove the motor mount and move stuff out of the way just to check the lower half of the timing belt components ( water pump, tensioner)? And also, is there any warning to a idler or tensioner failing or is it an instant failure?