Hi

I gave up replacing my S-belt today. Tried the coin trick, which worked until I realised I couldn't get a nail or allen key into the locating hole to prevent it from springing back - the plier gripping the coin was blocking the hole. A most frustrating way to spend two hours.

Now, given that there's a squeal, as well as an occasional rough running sound coming from the S-belt location, I intend to replace both tensioner pulley as well as the idler pulley.

1. Looking at the lack of space to work, how would I go about removing the black box containing the electronics to give me more room? Has anyone tried removing this?

2. Has anyone managed to remove both the tensioner assembly and the idler pulley without removing this box?

3. Would I need to remove the power steering pump pulley in order to remove the tensioner assembly?


Thanks in advance!

Regards
Lucast

Lift the coolant tank from its bracket and place it upside-down on top of the motor.At the hardware store,get a square nut measuring 3/4 inch across the flats,a 1 inch long bolt to screw into it,and a flat washer with a OD about 1 inch.Assemble this and use it to retract the tensioner.

After pinning the tensioner,remove the two bolts and the tensioner.This would be a good time to inspect or replace the timing belt and its two bearings.

I replaced both belts and all 4 bearings on one of my cars and still had a chirpy,light grinding noise.It was the alternator.The ps pump had to be unfastened along with its bracket for that one,but not for the tensioner.

Bill

Read this and weap :) LOL She changed her belt in 15 minutes!!!

http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/volvo/954283/serpentine_belt_changed_easy_thanks_bh82_everyone.html

Just remember the new belt routing.
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My name is Klaus and I am a Volvoholic.

Thanks for that. I have seen the pdf before.

I have decided to go try a small crowsfeet since coins, Australian coins that is, don't seem to work too well. I have no doubt that it's quite quick as long as one's able to move the tensioner and lock it up :-)

Has anyone here actually changed the idler and tensioner pulleys? Can you shed some light as to whether you removed the black box to do so?

Thanks
Lucast

Have you seen this?

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/850_serp.pdf

and this?

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/serpentine_belt.php
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'97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's

Yes I have read that. I researched this before I got going but like some advice, things sometimes don't work the way other people's positive experience work.