When do you know you need a new timing belt? I know it is said every 50,000 miles my car almost has 84,000. My car doesn't have great pick-up anymore. Its an automatic but when I push on the gas sometimes when I guess it's changing gears it either kicks back a little or jumps forward. Does this mean I need a new timing belt or what?

Please don't say transmission.

Also how much does it cost for a new timing belt?

I am looking to get a tune-up soon, do you feel this would help?

My car was driven by too many poor drivers bad decision on my part - definatly have learned from it and also paying for it.[:'(]

 

Some experienced mechanics say they can tell if a belt needs replacing just by examining it. The rest ofus poor mortals go by mileage/time.

The '98 model S70 needs a timing belt change at 70,000 miles or 8 years. 1999+ models at 105,000 miles or 11 years. So it depends on how old your car is.

I don't think a timing belt will cause the transmission problems you are experiencing, so I will say transmission. Has the fluid been changed? Is it a nice red colour or is it brown and smells burnt? This is always a good place to start when the box plays up.

I can't advise on cost for a belt change unless you live in the UK.

A tune-up will certainly be beneficial.

 

What year is the car?
Most belts even the new cars should be done at 70k

I have seen the cars that say 105k timing belt break at 52,000 miles.

If you look at the belt and it is cracked then it needs replacing.

It will not cause the car to run like it is that is another problem.

If the belt breaks it will cost about 3k to repair it.

A timing belt replacement will varry between $300.00 to $600.00
Make sure you have the tensioner and idler pulleys replaced at the same time.

 

Also make SURE you have the water pump swapped out when the timing belt is being changed. They're only like 50 bucks and they typically develop leaks past that 75K mile mark. Mine didn't have any visible leaks but when it was removed, it was clearly evident that a gasket was failing and there was minor leaking which would get progressively worse.

 

Thanks yeah its a 1998 s70. I figured the timing belt would need to go. The car is at 85,000. I was thinking the transmission was going so I just spoke to my mechanic and I'm taking it in to have it all looked at.

 

So I was sitting at a red light - my car started to jerk while just sitting there. Does this mean somethings wrong with my transmisson?

Oh the problems with my car.

Anyways roughly how much would that be.

 

The volvo dealership in town quoted me around a grand for parts/labor. I found a local shadetree mechanic that did it for $350 which was labor, the timing belt/tensioner/pulley kit and the water pump.

Definately look around.

As far as the car shuddering at a stop, could be plenty of things.

- Clogged fuel filter
- Clogged injectors
- Failing spark plug/wire/distributor or coil.

All of that stuff should be replaced/cleaned during a stage zero though. I replaced my whole ignition the week I got the car. Got new plugs, IPD plug wires, distributor, igition rotor (goes under the distributor cap) and bosch ignition coil.

I suggest replacing all the key igintion components I mentioned and then see if the problem still remains. Best part about that is that you can do all of it on your own with some basic hand tools.

 

Okay thanks. Yeah I realized a while ago going to Volvo is a lot more expensive. I have found a wonderful mechanic who gets the job done well and for a good price. I will look into replacing all of the ignition components that you mentioned and see how the car runs then.