Alternator Belt Replacement

[Clan]

Originally Posted by hancym

Will get the Volvo belt then and swap it as soon as it comes. Interesting that these wrap themselves around the crank and mangle the timing belt. Presumably then the lower casing is not sufficient to throw it outward away from the gap? So is this problematic on the D3 engine as well or more so on the D4 & D5? Just been watching a load of YouTube stuff and those engines seems to have a much more complex aux belt arrangement whereas mine is only about 450mm diameter. It was actually just sitting there lying on the crank with the engine running and the frayed end pointing at me!

yes the belt will go in between the
casing and wrap around the crankshaft there are massive forces involved , it can rip the cambelt tensioner out the block ruining the block as well as the head which gets irreparable damage . Applies to 5 cylinder diesel from 2008 to around 2012 on the large volvos , .when volvo finally got to the bottom of it after 3 attempts .. That is why it is crucial to visit the dealer as they pick up on this and do recalls free . .The S40/V50/C70 have a different belt arrangement so are ok

[hancym]

Originally Posted by Clan

yes the belt will go in between the
casing and wrap around the crankshaft there are massive forces involved , it can rip the cambelt tensioner out the block ruining the block as well as the head which gets irreparable damage . Applies to 5 cylinder diesel from 2008 to around 2012 on the large volvos , .when volvo finally got to the bottom of it after 3 attempts .. That is why it is crucial to visit the dealer as they pick up on this and do recalls free . .The S40/V50/C70 have a different belt arrangement so are ok

Mr Previous had everything done to the car and when it needed it as it was his personal business vehicle, it has a full service history with a load of other stuff doe as and when it was needed.
Sorry to keep quizzing you but what does the recall involve and how do I know if my car has had it? What did Volvo modify to cure the issue. When I asked Volvo there are no outstanding recalls but is what you refer to a genuine recall or something they off if you complain?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by hancym

Mr Previous had everything done to the car and when it needed it as it was his personal business vehicle, it has a full service history with a load of other stuff doe as and when it was needed.
Sorry to keep quizzing you but what does the recall involve and how do I know if my car has had it? What did Volvo modify to cure the issue. When I asked Volvo there are no outstanding recalls but is what you refer to a genuine recall or something they off if you complain?

the recall was to change the so called fix hydraulic tensioner to the old mechanical one and they changed the interval for the Aux belt at the same time to 54000 miles . Letters would have gone out and if had been missed then as soon as a dealer gets the car in for whatever reason they check recalls and it would have been done there and then . If it hasn't seen a dealer for years and the recall letter was not seen then the car could be running around with the belt or tensioner about to break .
you should have the tensioner with the large torx in the casting and no hydraulic cylinder attached to the top of it .
The hydraulic tensioner has a 22mm hexagon cast into the tensioner to put a spanner on the release the tension .

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by hancym

Mr Previous had everything done to the car and when it needed it as it was his personal business vehicle, it has a full service history with a load of other stuff doe as and when it was needed.
Sorry to keep quizzing you but what does the recall involve and how do I know if my car has had it? What did Volvo modify to cure the issue. When I asked Volvo there are no outstanding recalls but is what you refer to a genuine recall or something they off if you complain?

The engines are famous for it, google it.

Also change the tensioner, you would be mad not to.

[hancym]

Going to have to replace the tensioner right now! Not going to have the car running today as the T60 hole broke away. Anyone know the best place to get one without paying a fortune?

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by hancym

Going to have to replace the tensioner right now! Not going to have the car running today as the T60 hole broke away. Anyone know the best place to get one without paying a fortune?

Is if the torx ‘star’ that has broken up. Did you resolve this

[hancym]

Nope it's the tensioner that broken?

Can anyone tell me if this is a genuine Volvo part? There's no "Made in Italy" and as far as I can see no Volvo part number which I believe is 31330379 for my D3 D5204T2 engine.

Can anyone give me an opinion on a Gates tensioner? I know the general consensus is always use genuine parts but Gates have a very good reputation and I've used them for years on other cars.

Can they really be that much less in quality and reliability?

Can anyone tell me the Volvo Dealer price for this so I don't get ripped off?

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by hancym

Nope it's the tensioner that broken?

Can anyone tell me if this is a genuine Volvo part? There's no "Made in Italy" and as far as I can see no Volvo part number which I believe is 31330379 for my D3 D5204T2 engine.

Can anyone give me an opinion on a Gates tensioner? I know the general consensus is always use genuine parts but Gates have a very good reputation and I've used them for years on other cars.

Can they really be that much less in quality and reliability?

Can anyone tell me the Volvo Dealer price for this so I don't get ripped off?

As it happens I have a genuine Volvo tensioner at home. I will have a look when I return tomorow evening if no one has answered.

I bought Volvo but gates is oem supplier quality and I would not be concerned myself.

My advice would be to buy Volvo still however.

[hancym]

Thanks for you thoughts. Can anyone explain why this tensioner is like a bear trap? I've just had the broken one is a vice and it's not until held static in a bench situation that I can fully appreciate why the Torx slot gave way. The force required to move it to the mid position is 40 Nm of torque. just seems ridiculous for what fundamentally is a tiny belt. It's just got to put it under stress every day of it's life surely?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by hancym

Thanks for you thoughts. Can anyone explain why this tensioner is like a bear trap? I've just had the broken one is a vice and it's not until held static in a bench situation that I can fully appreciate why the Torx slot gave way. The force required to move it to the mid position is 40 Nm of torque. just seems ridiculous for what fundamentally is a tiny belt. It's just got to put it under stress every day of it's life surely?

The belt does a lot of work it needs to be that tight , It transmits 4 or 5 bhp when the steering is loaded and the 180A alternator is working hard . the reason the casing broke is you let the wrench tilt sideways , you need a long extension and a bar so you can hold it back whilst you slip the belt on . it is easier if you loop the belt over the alternator pulley first then let a heavy hammer rest on top the pulley to hold the belt down on the pulley , you only have two pulleys to deal with then whilst you hold the tensioner back .. when it is on make 100% sure the belt in central on the correct teeth on all 3 pulleys and not overlapping the edge by one groove ..