timing belt change : to the dealership or not ?

V40addict · Nov 4th, 2019, 21:58

Here is the situation : we have this V40 that sat for a year in the driveway, small oil leak somewhere by the camshaft pulley (when engine running), belt has had oil on it. We will have the belt changed (water pump too probably) and the leak fixed . My usual go to guy is a smaller Volvo garage, non official dealer,garage like in the old days, cheaper and he knows these cars by heart but that means an hour drive. There are dealers much closer but very pricey, and most no longer see these cars. On the other hand I heard belt change must be done at a dealer with all the (modern)equipment.

Noone is willing to guarantee the job in case the leak comes back (isn't fixed), the dealers saying it could take extra cost simply to identify the problem.

The bigger issue though is driving for an hour with the belt with a bit of (dried) oil all around it . But if the car makes it, and I am pretty sure it would if the car had not sat for a year with this belt, I should save at least 150 quid with the small garage.

What to do ?
Also, for another Volvo whose belt will also need to be changed soon, is the dealer really better or not (for garanteeing the job at least)

ITSv40 · Nov 5th, 2019, 07:57

I would go to the trusted independent everytime. The camshaft oil leak is a common issue and easily sorted with new seals. If the water pump is sound leave well alone, but if it does need changing only fit a genuine Volvo pump. Just drive steadily to the garage and try not to labour the engine or put unnecessary strain on it. Your independent garage will have all the specialist tools, so no issue there.

Syked69 · Nov 20th, 2019, 05:31

I agree with going to the independent garage but do recommend you change tensioner, idler and water pump all at once. You wouldn't want your water pump failing soon after your belt replacement and then having to pay for all that labour again.

Clan · Nov 20th, 2019, 09:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syked69

I agree with going to the independent garage but do recommend you change tensioner, idler and water pump all at once. You wouldn't want your water pump failing soon after your belt replacement and then having to pay for all that labour again.

Historically over the last 30 years these cambelt driven water pumps don't fail , and it adds £100 to the job ...

ITSv40 · Nov 20th, 2019, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clan

Historically over the last 30 years these cambelt driven water pumps don't fail , and it adds £100 to the job ...

Agreed. I have had two Volvo's in the past , one on 270000mls and the other on 370000mls still on the original pumps.

Clan · Nov 20th, 2019, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by ITSv40

Agreed. I have had two Volvo's in the past , one on 270000mls and the other on 370000mls still on the original pumps.

My experience is dealing with over 300,000 volvos over the last 45 years ... servicing more than 60000 of them ...

piperdave · Jan 2nd, 2020, 19:10

Hi , I live in Worthing, and these guys do my V40, outside my house. Recommended.

https://www.mobilecambelts.co.uk/

Nov 4th, 2019, 21:58	#1
V40addict Junior Member Last Online: Feb 16th, 2024 23:50 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Brighton	timing belt change : to the dealership or not ? Here is the situation : we have this V40 that sat for a year in the driveway, small oil leak somewhere by the camshaft pulley (when engine running), belt has had oil on it. We will have the belt changed (water pump too probably) and the leak fixed . My usual go to guy is a smaller Volvo garage, non official dealer,garage like in the old days, cheaper and he knows these cars by heart but that means an hour drive. There are dealers much closer but very pricey, and most no longer see these cars. On the other hand I heard belt change must be done at a dealer with all the (modern)equipment. Noone is willing to guarantee the job in case the leak comes back (isn't fixed), the dealers saying it could take extra cost simply to identify the problem. The bigger issue though is driving for an hour with the belt with a bit of (dried) oil all around it . But if the car makes it, and I am pretty sure it would if the car had not sat for a year with this belt, I should save at least 150 quid with the small garage. What to do ? Also, for another Volvo whose belt will also need to be changed soon, is the dealer really better or not (for garanteeing the job at least) Last edited by V40addict; Nov 4th, 2019 at 22:10.

Nov 5th, 2019, 07:57	#2
ITSv40 VOC Member Last Online: Today 11:21 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northampton	I would go to the trusted independent everytime. The camshaft oil leak is a common issue and easily sorted with new seals. If the water pump is sound leave well alone, but if it does need changing only fit a genuine Volvo pump. Just drive steadily to the garage and try not to labour the engine or put unnecessary strain on it. Your independent garage will have all the specialist tools, so no issue there. __________________ 2001 V40 2.0lt Sport lux - Daily Driver. 174k miles. 2003 C70 2.4 GT Convertible - Garage Queen. 65k miles. http://www.neptuno6benagil.com

Jan 2nd, 2020, 19:10	#7
piperdave Member Last Online: Jul 7th, 2020 17:48 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Worthing	Hi , I live in Worthing, and these guys do my V40, outside my house. Recommended. https://www.mobilecambelts.co.uk/ __________________ Dave 1996 V40 1.8l Manual 5 speed, Petrol, Silver Dawn Metallic. Owned from 2004 (45,000mls) to present (196,718 mls)

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Nov 20th, 2019, 05:31	#3
Syked69 Junior Member Last Online: Dec 23rd, 2019 05:27 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Sydney	I agree with going to the independent garage but do recommend you change tensioner, idler and water pump all at once. You wouldn't want your water pump failing soon after your belt replacement and then having to pay for all that labour again.

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