Genuine 2005 Volvo V50 Timing Belt

2005 Volvo V50 Timing Belt Parts and Q&A

• Q: Should the tensioner and idler pulley be renewed whenever the timing belt is replaced on 2005 Volvo V50?

  A: Whenever the timing belt is renewed, tensioner and idler pulley should also be renewed. The camshaft and coolant pump sprockets are driven by timing belt from the crankshaft sprocket which must be kept in phase to maintain proper valve timing, any slippage or breakage can cause serious engine damage due to piston to valve contact. It is vitally important that when the timing belt is off, the correct phasing between camshaft and crankshaft is maintained, and this is achieved by the engine being put on Top Dead Centre (TDC) before the timing belt is removed and the shafts not being rotated until the timing belt is refitted. TDC is highest position of the piston in its cylinder, usually reference to No 1 cylinder on the compression stroke where cylinders are numbered one to five from the timing belt end. Before work begins, disconnect the battery, then loosen the bolts on the road wheel at the right-hand-front side, jack up the vehicle and secure it on axle stands before removing the roadwheel. Next take off engine under shield and also right hand wheel arch liner for access to crankshaft pulley, followed by the auxiliary drivebelt. Support the engine before removing the right-hand mounting with a large piece of wood on a trolley jack. With the engine supported remove the right hand engine mounting and the timing belt outer cover, making sure that the crankshaft pulley is removed first on 2.0 litre engines where there is a two part timing belt cover. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the marks on the camshaft sprocket and timing belt rear cover are aligned and undo the bolts and nut holding the crankshaft pulley in place, so as not to allow the crankshaft to rotate. Check to see if the alignment marks are correct and if they are not adjust them accordingly. Slacken the timing belt tensioner centre bolt, turn the tensioner arm to 10 o'clock position and slacken the idler pulley bolt. Remove the timing belt from the sprockets without rotating the crankshaft or camshaft. Inspect the belt to see if it is contaminated or worn or damaged, and replace it if needed, the cost of replacement is minor in comparison to possible engine repair costs. Always replace the idler pulley and belt tensioner when you replace the belt and consider replacing the coolant pump at the same time. Ensure that the crankshaft and camshaft are still lined up and fit the new belt around the sprockets making sure the teeth are seated correctly. The front run of the belt should be tight with slack in the run that is passing over the tensioner roller. Adjust the tensioner roller and check the tensioner arm moves freely when the belt is pressed. Turn the crankshaft two times and check for a good alignment of the timing marks with the tensioner indicator in the correct position. Finally, reverse the removal process by retightening all of the fasteners to their specified torque.