Timing Belt Change (or not?)
 

Would you change the timing belt of a 2001 S40 with 70,000 miles on it? No problems related to the engine at all. Thank you.

Yes....

Even with only 70k miles it's 13 years old. Have you inspected it lately?

Who would do the work?

Yes. The engine problems don't show up until it's too late.

Its not just mileage that wears down a timing belt, age and warmup/cooldown cycles do as well. The same goes for oil seals.

If it were mine, it would get a new belt, idler, tensioner and all new cam seals while I have it apart.

Change it as soon. You car was sold in 2000 (2001 model) so it's 14 years old. The belt got very stiff (hard rubbed kind). Overall the belt might look good but it surely developed local cracks. You can open the upper tb cover, crank a bit the engine and inspect all length of the belt.

Thank you all for the answers. I made some calls. The service charges around $800, PepBoys $1000, and a local guy ($850)? I think the safest is the service but are there any other recommendations in NYC area?

"You can have it done QUICKLY, done INEXPENSIVELY, done CORRECTLY. Pick any two" :)
I say inexpensively & correctly.

Only thing forgotten is the water pump ....get a new one of those to.

Cam seals is a bit excessive if they aren't leaking. There is quite a bit of added labor for them. The water pump is also optional. I don't see too many leak.

Those quotes are fairly high. It's an easy timing belt job. Maybe NYC prices.

I'd leave the cam seals alone unless they're leaking. Also, don't bother with the water pump. The water pump I took out of my 2000 V40 at 80,000 miles was identical to the new one I installed - no slop at all in the bearing.

Independent Volvo Repair Shops in NYC

Thank you everybody again. Independent Volvo Repair Shop link is very helpful. Will call tomorrow.