31251251 Tensioner Pulleys Replaceable?

[CricketyJimin]

Are the two types interchangeable? Does the block have bolt holes for either irrespective of year?

I went through the process of taking off the lower pulley to access the bolt on my '57 D5 only to then discover it wasn't the same as my '03 D5. Much easier to change the newer one as a result. Haven't looked yet to see if the older one has the same bolt holes though.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by CricketyJimin

Are the two types interchangeable? Does the block have bolt holes for either irrespective of year?

No, not interchangeable.
There's a chassis number range for each tensioner so buy carefully.

[Polo on]

Hey, you guys all run oil burners, but does this apply to the petrol cars as well? My petrol/lpg V70 (2000) has 188k miles on it, but the pulley was changed at 140. Should I be panicking? I thought the alternator would be the next item to replace, maybe do both then?

[petrohl34d]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

No, not interchangeable.
There's a chassis number range for each tensioner so buy carefully.

I fell foul of this and ended up having to return the first one and buy these instead:

30637070
531076010 (2nd tensioner pulley sold separately)

Is this something to do with Euro3 / Euro4 engines?

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by petrohl34d

I fell foul of this and ended up having to return the first one and buy these instead:.... Is this something to do with Euro3 / Euro4 engines?

Vida would confirm but from what I can recall, the tensioner design changed within the Euro 3 production run (like fuel filter design or MAP sensors or alternators etc.) so it's very easy to get the wrong one if you don't either physically check what you have or you don't cross reference the chassis number range of the two tensioner designs.
It was a Volvo main dealer who incorrectly supplied mine so even they can make a mistake if they assume and don't check properly.

Another reason why I now have Vida as I can do my own research and not rely on the variable knowledge of parts suppliers.

[T5R92011]

Here is what to look for (I recommend that you look to check what tensioner you have)

My 54 plate Euro 3 car used the smaller tensioner on the right....

[Trimmtrab]

Hello,

Sorry to bring up an old thread but thought it would be better than creating a new one.

I have recently purchased a late 2006 XC70 D5 185 manual and I am changing the timing belt and aux, I am a bit confused with the two different tensioner options, I see they aren't interchangeable but was there a certain year or a point when they swapped design? I noticed when looking at Aux belts they changed after a certain chassis number, are the tensioners the same?


Thanks in advance

Greg

[Willow place]

Can't the pulleys be bought separate, are they both the same size ? It seems pointless in throwing a tensioner away if it is only the pulley bearings are worn .

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by Trimmtrab

I noticed when looking at Aux belts they changed after a certain chassis number, are the tensioners the same?

Yes there's a chassis number range for each tensioner unit so check with the parts supplier as they'll be the ones who'll have to sort it if they get it wrong.

Originally Posted by Willow place

Can't the pulleys be bought separate, are they both the same size ? It seems pointless in throwing a tensioner away if it is only the pulley bearings are worn .

The pulleys can be bought separately but the tensioner has been working for 10 years or the best part of 100k miles so if you don't change it, you're looking at twice that length of time before it gets changed which isn't ideal.
Spend the extra £50, change it all and scrimp elsewhere on a less expensive, less vital part of the car.