My 1998 V90 is about due for another timing belt replacement and this time I thought I'd give it a try myself. So I came here and did a search on the topic and I haven't been able to find anything. That doesn't seem right. Surely somebody here has done a "how to" on replacing a B6304 timing belt?

We bought the car right about when it was due for its second belt, so I had my Volvo shop do the replacement. But I'm getting a quote of over $400 now for this and I'm hoping I can save a bit (read a lot!) by doing it myself. Now, I've replaced belts on B230FT motors, and I know what all's involved with them. Including having to pull the harmonic balancer. I guess my biggest question is, do I have to pull the HB with a B6304? As I recall, the only reason why it has to be done with the B230 is because of the timing belt shroud which covers the underside, thus not allowing just removing the belt. My wife has the car at the moment, so I'm not able to look under the hood to see if the B6304 has a similar arrangement with its timing belt cover.

I'm going from a rather dim recollection now, but I replaced the water pump about four or five years ago, and it seems to me that it was all just right there, that the belt was an easy replacement with the WP removed. Am I remembering this correctly? If so, it seems it should be an easy task.

Just hoping, at any rate. And if there's a "how to" around here somewhere, I'd appreciate it if you could point me toward it. Thanks.