Of course you will hear stories about the TB breaking before 'changing time'. Anything can happen at any time but I'm sure the factory recommendations are based on actual experience. Timing belt replacements keep getting extended from previoyus model years and is now up to 100,000 miles on new Volvos. Why?? Engineers have found that failure is very rare even if replaced at extended intervals. There is a built-in 'mileage'safety factor. Replace it now if it will make you feel better (peace of mind is worth something) but I will do mine at the recommended interval in my owners manual and not worry about it. The people at Volvo know more about my car than I do. Please no jokes about some of the sorry Volvo mechanics out there. (Even I know more than some of them and that is scary!)
Regards,
Eddie

Thanks everybody for the replies. I'm definately going to get the timing belt changed during my next service. I don't want to take any chances and risk having it break off and ruin my engine. Dealer said parts and labor for the t-belt change will be $250, which sounds reasonable.
--
'95 Volvo 854 Turbo: Gold Edition
K&N Air Filter, Leather, 6 disc CD-changer, Rear Spoiler
tinted windows

Hi,

I had my timing belt snap on my 1993 850 GLT at 98,000 miles, just 2,000 before my next service. Volvo dealer here in CA quoted me $8500 for repairs as I had to have a valve job done, etc. I got it done at an independent Volvo mechanic for $3500. I'm now replacing my timing belt every 40,000 instead of the 50,000 recommended. It's much much cheaper to replace it than to fix half or all of your engine. I heard this is not unusual for the 93 850s...

Denise

Think of it this way, you could schedule it now with your favorite Volvo Tech, in the comfort of your home, or you could try and use your cell phone up on the snowy mountain pass when the belt breaks.... your choice. My wife calls me a pessimist. I prefer to think I'm a realist, Tom

My 94 854 has to be changed every 50K, are you sure of the 70K?
--
Wills 98 R AWD modded wagon 94 854 T some mods 92 740 wagon

Hi Jay,

You've been asking about this and worried for some time now. Just do it, get it over with and you'll be better off for it.

Happy New Year.
--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t

Milage is not the only indicator for timing belt replacement.

It's also dependent on the age. I think it needs to be replaced at 4 or 5 years or at 70k if that comes sooner.

Check your owner's manual for the replacement schedule, but I think you're up for it..

Bye, Arno.

$4500?

Actually since you have a turbo your exhaust valves are sodium-filled so hmmmmm, yeah, you MIGHT need a new engine! I don't recall many fessing to having blown up turbo engines here over the last few years. Maybe they just walk away from the smoking wreckage....

I've not heard of a TB breaking on a '94-up 850 before 70k either (the 960 is another story) but since it's an interference motor and the cost of the belt replacement is small compared with the cost of rebuilding the head or replacing the engine, I'd probably go ahead and just replace it. Since I'm naturally a pessimist (I drive a VOLVO, fur chrissakes!) I'd replace the serpentine belt, too.

-bill d cat