I have a 98 v70 GLT.

I posted earlier about noise from engine when cold.
In fears that it might be the timing belt I've done some research.
There is less than 12K miles on the existing belt.
61K miles on the car I'm assuming that the tensioner and idler were not replaced.
According to my engine serial number my engine has the hydraulic tensioner.
I noticed kits containing belt, idler, tension wheel and tensioner. If I am replacing everything anyway, will the newer style fit? The new style kit is significantly less expensive.

Also does anyone have an opinion about which version works better / lasts longer?

Stick with the old hydraulic tensioner, it is more reliable than the new style and will easily last for 180K+ miles. The rollers are a different story and should be replaced every other belt change.

If you just replaced a belt, you don't need a new belt or tensioner. With a really cold engine, take the Tbelt cover off. Then start the engine and immediately check the source of the noise. A carefully placed wooden dow rod or broom stick at the center of each spinning part, with the other end next to your ear, will amplify the noise enough to pinpoint the trouble.

Don't forget the serpentine belt.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

The hydraulic tensioner lasts a good long time. 2-3 timing belt changes, though it seems the 'prudent' advice is to change it every second tb change. I think you're supposed to change the manual tensioner with every belt.

If I had to make a guess at the noise I'd say it is probably the idler pulley which is damn hard to change as the bolt holding it in seems like it's torqued to 1000lbft. I've read some tricks about how to get it off, but it seems many people end up cutting the bolt head and getting into a real mess. Whoever did your last tb probably left it out of convenience.

I don't know if you can switch to the manual style tensioner or not, though if I had to guess I'd say it's probably possible.

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1998 V70 AWD Turbo 195k+

I bought a used 98 V-70xc. The belt had been changed at correct interval. Well before the next belt was due the engine stopped. Volvo went from the hydraulic tensioner to a sealed bearing tensioner mid-year. It is a very small diamiter bearing an it fell apart. The pistons struck the intake valves. I replaced the 10 intake valves, about $15 ea. out of New York, head bolts, gaskets, etc, along with a new sealed bearing tensioner, idler, and belt. Belt, tensioner, and idler should be changed at each interval if you have the newer sealed bearing type tensioner. Ron

hi, have 2x 850s-94 w 220k and 300k km and 4x tb changed.
first time belt only, second time pulley and roller as well, both still
running original hydraulic tensioner (=reliable working horse).
on the 220k I also renewed water pump as it was squeeking in winter starts.
br tapsa