Hi,

We have two S70s with low miles:

1998 S70 GLT - 49k miles
1998 S70 - 30k miles

I believe we will need to have the timing belts changed since the cars are over 6 years old. I have been reading some of the posts with some having tensioner failures later after having the timing belt done. Some say it is a judgement call on the part of the technician. My question is: What is the additional cost to just have the tensioners (mechanical or hydraulic) replaced at the same time?

Thanks in advance.

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Brian M. - 1998 S70GLT, 1998 S70, 1991 Maxima SE

Don't even consider only having one job done, do both. I have just paid a shade over $1,900 because I thought I could save money... All dontations gratefully accepted... :(

the concensus is to change the hydraulic tensioner at the second t-belt change, that is 140k miles.

Remember that if your s70 is a late '98 model and has the mechanical tensioner, the t-belt change is at 105k miles and mechanical tensioner is replaced at the same time.

My V70 is a late '98 model with the mechanical tensioner, the dealer checked the belt at 78k miles and it looked like new, so they rec going to 105k miles. I plan to replace mine at about 95k miles with the mechanical tensioner, that would be about 2 years from now since I average about 8k miles per year.
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'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay

John,

I believe both of our cars are late '98 S70 models. Is it the last 7 digits of the VIN number that determines that?

If ours are both indeed equipped with the mechanical tensioners and both cars have low miles (30k and 50k) when would it be advisable to change the timing belts? I have read somewhere that the belt ages with time.

Thanks again.
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Brian M. - 1998 S70GLT, 1998 S70, 1991 Maxima SE

It doesn't go by VIN, but date of manufacturing.

Look at the white sticker in the inside of the drivers door. Mine has built 7/98.
If yours have a date of 3/98 and later, I'll bet you have a late model. Remember that the '98 model started selling in the fall of '97 with built dates of 6/97.

The definite way to see if yours is a late '98, is to take the cover of the t-belt housing. This would accomplish two things: 1) you get to take a look at the t-belt. If you see cracks or if looks worn, then change it now. And 2) see if you have the hydraulic or mechanical tensioner, volvospeed.com bay 13 has a picture of what the hydraulic tensioner looks like.

Remember the most important thing is YOUR CONFORT LEVEL. I feel fine taking mine to 95k miles, but you might want to change it at 70k miles or even at your current mileage.

Cheers.
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'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay

Well there is no extra labor as the thing is out already and I think the part runs about another $100.00 or so. Myself I do not replace them unless they show signs of leakage. That is pretty rare on the first interval and by the time they are 140,000 or so I see about 1/2 of them needing them. I see idler bearings going out just as much if not more than the tensioners leaking or failing. You usually hear the idlers squealing in the morning when it is cold.


Rule 308