I have a 2004 S40 1.9T and need to change the timing belt. The car has about 87000 miles on it and I noticed some slight cracks indicating wear in the belt.

Has anyone else done this, or a similar year? I am looking for some tips that I would otherwise miss or that the manual doesn't exactly cover.

Also the shop I was in said that it is a good idea to replace the water pump at the same time. Any thoughts on this?

I am fairly mechanicly inclined but have never done this type of job on a Volvo before. I love this car and don't want to mess it up. The shop quoted me a cool grand to replace it with the water pump. I am pretty sure I can do it for a hell of a lot cheaper!

Any puts would be great. Thanks.

 

1K is way to much.
The belt is not that hard to do. But you do have to jack the motor and remove the front engine mount to get to the belt.

 

Agreed. $1000? WHOA DUDE!
But I do agree to change the pump out at the same time. You are in that far so you might as well.

 

1K is way to much. I did mine myself and it took an ENTIRE WEEKEND, working 10 hours per day or so, including setup, cleanup, etc.., and I am an experienced aircraft mechanic. It turned out fine, just make sure to line up the teeth with the marks on the covers. there is a pic floating around here somewhere of the marks on the timing belt cover.

I wish I had taken it to a shop though. Looking back, it just wasnt worth an entire weekend, when I could have had it done for $450-ish. I spent about $200 (IIRC) on parts, so I saved about $250, and the whole weekend was shot... Just make sure you not only focus on the actual $$ you spend, but ask yourself, just how much is your time worth??? Be sure to factor that into your cost-benefit analysis...

 

Thanks for the replies!

I totally agree that 1K is way to much but I do like this shop though. I do have a piece of mind when I get work done, but in some cases I feel I can do the work myself.

You guys are great, thanks again for the help.