I recently purchased a 1997 v90 with 84,000 miles. The recommended
replacement interval on the timing belt on this car is 70,000 miles. When I brought the car to my mechanic (who specializes in volvo cars) to check the timing belt, he said there is no need to replace it because it still looks ok and that it has probably been replaced at 70,000 miles. Should I just take this man's word for it? Can you gauge the age of a timing belt just by looking at it? I appreciate any comments.

Hello Hoppityhop Just changed the belt on my S90 today Did not have any problem It just takes a bit of time The belt I used was a Dayco belt Much cheaper than dealer item Part # is 95270 Doug

How much cheaper? I paid $34 for the Volvo belt.

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 068,300 and 1995 964 152,100

Get that thing changed!
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Warren Bain - '99 V70GLT G-Valve > 80K mi, '96 965 >120Kmi, near Manassas Va.. Check the 700/900 FAQ via the 'features' pull down menu.

My V90 is coming due for it's second belt change @ 140K miles. The new belt is sitting on my bench waiting as I have another few thousand before it's officialy due. Out of curiousity I looked at the existing belt last weekend, it looked fine, no sign of cracking or wear.

I doubt this mechmaniac would be able to determine belt age by looking at it. The risks are just too high not to change the belt if you can't be sure of it's mileage. You just don't take that chance.
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David Hunter

If your mechanic specializes in Volvos, he above anyone else should have recommended replacement no matter what. A $35 belt vs. a top end or possibly an engine is an easy question to answer. I wouldn't believe anyone, former owner, mechanic, sticker, records. etc. Just replace it. I agree with DEWFPO, it's cheap insurance. Gone are the days of Volvo "clearance" engines when the belt snaps and you replace it on the interstate shoulder with a minimum of tools and be on your way again. Ask me how I know and why I always carried a spare.
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Roy Olson

If the belt was replaced, there should be a sticker in the engine compartment to that effect. The sticker comes with a new belt.

Trying to determine the age of a belt from looking at it is like trying to determine the temperature of water by looking at it. It's a guess and that's all.

A Volvo timing belt for this engine cost $34 from the dealer and only takes a couple of hours to install if you do it yourself. I would change it in lieu of positive confirmation of a new belt and consider it cheap insurance.

My 2 cents.

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 068,300 and 1995 964 152,100

You' re the second Brickster that has reported such statements from reportedly good Volvo techs. This advice makes no sense to me, given the potential consequences of timing belt failure. See if you can track down the original service on the car, but in lieu of any physical evidence that it was changed at its prescribed 70K interval, I would strongly urge you to drive it straight to a(nother) Volvo service center and have it changed...immediately!
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John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 105K

i'd rather see a receipt. if that belt breaks before 140k, is he gonna replace the belt and the valves no charge? if that was a 4 cyl 8v, no sweat if it does break. the b234s, 5s and 6s, i take no chances, too exspensive. good luck, chuck.