Volvos and timing belts

[JTC]

Does the Volvo have a cambelt cover that can be easily removed to examine the condition of the belt? If so, that might yield clues on how much of a punt you're taking in not replacing the belt.

No; it’s quite easy to inspect and looks in good nick. But (according to a mechanic contact) that counts for nothing…

 

[Tony Lockhart]

I’m just curious how good Volvo timing belts usually are; the replacement interval is 180,000 km which suggests they may be a cut above other belts. I’m prepared to get it replaced, and have factored this somewhat into my offer, but since replacement will add 20%+ of the proposed sale price, it’s worth seeing what the incidence of Volvo belt failure actually is.

Any Volvo-savvy mechanics here?

I really struggle to understand why people question belt change intervals. Get it done, then forget about it for another 100k+ miles. You absolutely know that if you don’t, and on the word of someone you don’t know (on here) you’ll not sleep at night and then it’ll fail the day before it’s booked in for replacement, costing you thousands…

 

[CHE]

Then you do not understand statistics - accept the rest, accept the first line - it is a simple and unavoidable fact of statistics.

Lottery - a situation whose success or outcome is governed by chance.

So in this case not a lottery then as the change interval for a timing best (which is what we're discussing) is not defined by chance. Unless you're saying the test data isn't analysed statistically.

CHE

 

[foxwelljsly]

I’m planning to buy my neighbours Volvo V60 Drive which he’s owned since new (now just over 105k since 2012). Car has really been looked after but service suggests it needs a timing belt change.

I’m just curious how good Volvo timing belts usually are; the replacement interval is 180,000 km which suggests they may be a cut above other belts. I’m prepared to get it replaced, and have factored this somewhat into my offer, but since replacement will add 20%+ of the proposed sale price, it’s worth seeing what the incidence of Volvo belt failure actually is.

Any Volvo-savvy mechanics here?

On my 3rd P2 V70 D5 here. My cambelts have been good up to the warranted service interval, but I wouldn't chance it any further. Sold my last V70 just before the cambelt change was due. Cambelt on the current one was on the age limit but under the mileage limit when I bought it at 128,000 miles. I got it done about 5000 miles later. Mechanic said it was just as well. An independent Volvo specialist I used to get my car done with said he'd never seen one break, but I wouldn't chance it. My excellent local mechanic did mine for £375 parts and labour. If it's due, factor that into the price. Some loons will say 6 years or 60,000 miles. I consider it safe to Ignore them.

I'd also check the exhaust for smoke under acceleration and the cowling under the rad for any oil splatters - that car is also past the potential earliest expiry date for the intercooler. Not a deal breaker, but another £500 job oem parts and labour with a local mechanic.

Also, there is no such thing as a sealed unit auto box. Dunno if other manufacturers tout this, but it's bollocks. Get it flushed if there's no evidence that's been done.

D5 and T5 Volvos are magnificent motor cars. I will miss them.