I just wanted to thank those that posted tips on changing the serpentine belt on an S70, I did mine this morning and it only took me 15 minutes and no problems at all! As usual, the advice here was FAR more helpful than reading the Haynes manual (which doesn't even have a routing diagram).

I used the "home-made" tensioner tool suggested by bh82 - an 11mm crowsfoot attached to a socket extension. But since my socket extension wasn't very long I left the rachet on for even more leverage - worked great! The rachet was at a 90 degree angle and pointed towards the bacl of the car (away from the moment of force).

I also did the whole thing from the top, not through the wheel well as some people (and Haynes) have suggested. My small hands were able to fit down in there with no trouble.

Steps I followed:

1. Lifted coolant overflow bottle off it's bracket, unplugged the sensor from the bottom and lifted the bottle - still attached to hoses - up on top of the engine out of the way.

2. Took a small allen wrench and inserted the short end into the hole at the top of the tensioner

3. Pulled the tensioner forward using the crowsfoot - socket tool, held tensioner in place where the 2 holes line up at the top while with other hand I slid the allen wrench through the second hole to secure it. Released the tool and the allen wrench held the tensioner. Removed the tensioner tool.

4. To give myself more arm room, I unplugged a sensor or something near the A/C recharge port... in fact can anyone tell me what this is for? It has electrical tape on it, seemed a bit brittle, and I wonder if it's something critical I should check on (indicated by arrow):


5. Worked the old belt off (it was stiff and dry and had hairline cracks on the inside, probably not too bad but I feel better knowing it is new for the upcoming long drive.

6. Put on the new belt starting with the cam and A/C pullies at the bottom, then under the tensioner and up to top pully, leaving idler pully for the last.

7. Inserted the crowsfoot tensioner tool and pulled forwards a bit to slide the allan wrench out of the holes, gently released the tensioner. Checked belt on each pully and re-connected other unknown plug, coolant sensor and slid coolant bottle back onto bracket.

Done! Look at that shiney new belt.

Only tools needed:

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/tools/pics/drain_plug_wrench.jpg

Basically buy a large enough bolt.
Use a file and file 4 sides until the square fits snugly into the SQUARE in the tensioner for the drivebelt (which is slightly larger than a 3/8 ratchet).

The hex part of the bolt can be turned by either:
- appropriate key
- adjustable wrench

I keep this tool in the glovebox for lond-distance trip.

- I also keep the old drivebelt in the trunk, a great item to have just for emergency.

cn

is to tape (masking tape is fine) 2 US pennies to 2 adjacent sides of the standard ratchet, this will effectively make the ratchet 1/16-inch bigger.

- No need to move the coolant reservoir or anything else.
- Changing the DRIVEBELT using this method should take less than 5 minutes.

cn
1998 V70 62K

Well actually lots of people have said that didn't work for them, pennies came off. The tensioner tool I used worked perfectly. The time was taken up by re-checking my work to make sure I'd routed the belt correctly and that it was lined up on the idler pulley, and of course reaching down to get it in place.

It was the first time I've done this so it took me longer than it will in the future, and removing the coolant bottle took 5 seconds and gave me a lot more arm room. If you have even smaller arms, good for you!

I don't think you can get much "more simple" than this.

Tina,
Shhhhh... Little men don't like being outdone by women. Let it rest. You did a great job, regardless of the time it took. Call Volvo and ask the service guys what they charge for changing a belt, and buy yourself dinner on the money you saved.
I hope your write up encouraged others to do what you just did.

Thanks,
Klaus
--
98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Wow, Tina! I think you've set a record in the Serp. belt change. Very good. This gives me confidence in doing other work on my car too...and all from the top! Where did you get the "crow's foot" attachment for your ratchet bar? Very nice job! Hope you have a nice safe trip!
David
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon

Sears sells the crowsfeet, $4 although they may be cheaper elsewhere!