Hello all,

To change or NOT to change the the HYDRAULIC TB tensioner at 60-70K miles interval. Unpublished but this is the conversation between myself and the Parts/Service dept at Shepherd Volvo in Oak Park, IL (Chicago suburb):

- 1998 Timing Belt should last up to 70K.
- 1998 Hydraulic TB tensioner should last to 90K. This is because they see some leakage at the age.

So "by-the-book" recommendation is: Change TGB belt at 70K and Tensioner at 90K.

I asked them so why pay for one service at 70K and another one at 90K for similar job?

Then the reply is: well we can "kill 2 birds with one stone" and do BOTH the TB belt and Tensioner at 70K.

Cost of the tensioner is $125.00 (FCP Groton's price). For this price, NOT worth to save this money and running a risk of having an otherwise good belt but a failed tensioner causing engine head damage @ a cost of $3-4K repair bill!)

If you DIY, then the labor is on you.

So I have my ANSWER: To sleep well at night, change BOTH TB itself AND the Tensioner at 60-70K interval (or if more than 6 years old).

cn
1998 V70 55K with HYDRAULIC TB tensioner