Hello,

I have a 900 series car but its the same crank bolt as in 700 series. There are several ways to do this.

I watched how my Volvo mechanic did this last time - using the usual air driven impact tool. The bolt was removed within seconds. Later after putting the new timing belt he tightened it back using the same impact tool. This was years ago. You could drive to a mechanic shop and let them loosen it a bit for you. Tighten it back (but not so tight) so that back at home you could remove the bolt using the 'rope in the combustion chamber' method. But according to the FAQ using impact tool may damage the crankshaft. Luckily it did not in my case.

Recently its time to replace the timing belt again. I bought the counterhold tool from FCP Euro. Used a 1/4inch drive 24mm socket mated to a 1/4inch drive L shaped extension with a 3 feet pipe as cheater bar, I tried to loosen the bolt. Guess what..the L shaped extension broke in two. Either that impact tool had made the bolt too tight or the extension was not strong enough.

So I ordered a 1/2inch drive 24mm socket with 1/2inch drive L shaped extension. Using the same 3 feet pipe as cheater bar it worked this time. But a lot of grunting was needed. And the counterhold tool helps A LOT. This tool also HELPS during tightening back the bolt.

I would strongly recommend using the prescribed counterhold tool. You may never know how tight the bolt is. The same tool can be used to counterhold the camshaft or balancer-shaft timing gear while loosening the bolt (to replace the oil seals) and again during tightening back the bolt.

Regards,
Amarin.