I have a 2004 5 cyl XC-90 with 73,000 miles on it. Today it developed a squeel that sounds like it is coming from the front cam pulley. I just read the post on the timing belt replacement guidelines and according to that it is due for a timing belt. Has anyone else heard a squeel from this location and what all needed to be replaced to fix it?

 

Sometimes the pulley bearings go bad and that's what makes it squeel.
I would have it checked asap. If it is the pulley and it locks up and throws the belt you will be looking at about 2K or more to fix it.

 

Would you change the timing belt at this time also or does the work of changing the pulley only slightly duplicate the work of changing the timing belt?

 

I would have the T-belt, idle pulley, tensioner and water pump changed, this is routine for a T-belt change becasue they are all integral parts of the engine timing. These are the kinds of things that if either of them fail its a DISASTER on your hands as im sure you saw in the "Timing Belt Precautions Post." Volvo water pumps seldom seize, however the peice of mind that comes with it is well worth it. I just had mine done and it cost about $600CAN.

 

Get it all replaced.