Squeaky Belts

[Jonnieb2009]

Here is a picture. Should the belt look like this, does it look worn? What is this belt called?

The top pulley seems to be squealing although it could be coming from somewhere else but it dos sound like its coming from this general area

Any help or advice welcome. Is it easy to change?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Jonnieb2009

Here is a picture. Should the belt look like this, does it look worn? What is this belt called?

The top pulley seems to be squealing although it could be coming from somewhere else but it dos sound like its coming from this general area

Any help or advice welcome. Is it easy to change?

Yes thats the original old type tensioner thanks to your picture . I doubt if they changed the belt when they changed the alternator as you cant get that type belt now ( unless they used a non volvo belt ) , it is replaced by a kit comprising a stretch "elastic" belt and a solid wheel at the top rather than a sprung tensioner and solid belt as you have .. so if you get the latest kit and fit it will cure your belt squeak ..

[jasonb]

would that be the alternator belt and tensioner? Sorry, just want to be sure before I order. is it a kit or do I need specific parts?

[Jonnieb2009]

JB

Its the main belt which also goes round the alternator pulley.
Let me know how much they cost if you could.

I have spotted s tretchy belt on the car as well at the bottom, prob on water pump?

I dont know how easy it is to change the belt a you would need to remove the water pump belt as well looking at it. I will prob get volvo to do it or a local garage.

[jasonb]

Hmmm, I'm starting to wonder about the age of my car, the time of life for parts to expire and whether it's worth replacing the water pump, belt and the main belt. Not sure I need to worry about the alternator just yet but......starting is a bit hit and miss for some reason, always starts on the second turn of the key.
Who knows, maybe I'll live with that problem as a feature. But the belts will have to be swapped.

I'll ask FRF!

Thanks,
Jason.

[jasonb]

I've mailed FRF and it looks like Simon is back today.
Most likely to a huge pile of requests.
I'll let you know the costs.
Jason.

[Jonnieb2009]

JB

I have also emailed my local dealer, he has quoted me approx £160 for the belt,new fixed pulley inc lab, vat etc. I thinking I may hold off if I can until the end of this month and bring my service forward which is due in October

[Jonnieb2009]

I have decided to bring forward the service which is due in October to September and get it done within the first week.
With my VOC discount my next service is £491 (does this sound right?) plus £160 for the belt and pulley. I get a free curteousy car in the price. Best part of £650 for this one plus anything else needed. It is 6 years old though so a major service I guess.

[jasonb]

Hi Jonnie, seems a little steep for a service.
You should find out what is included and compare with an independent!

[Jonnieb2009]

I checked with the same franchise but their Warrington branch and they offered me the service but £50 cheaper.
I questioned Chester and they said Warrington had got it wrong but matched their price

so to sum up what they are charging me:-

Main/big service (6 years /72k although only done 40k) £474
Replace two belts and sprung tensioner with a fixed pulley (stretchy belts) £161. (they change the water pump belt as well) - stops the squeaking.
Total £635 less 5% VOC discount £603 (membership will then be accounted for as this costs £35 and I've bought the new grille and R badge which was disc by 10%)
Deduct spark plugs (I have changed recently) and air filter (K&N - doesnt need changing) = £582 all in (inc curteousy car). They will aslo check for a software update.
"we will scan the car for the latest up to date software the car is self tuning through control modules" - as I asked to tune it for best performance