After market Timing belts, whats good, whats not, opinions please
 

Hi guys, I'm hoping to change the timing belt, along with the inj pump belt, tensioner, idler, crankshaft pulley oil seal and water pump in the next week or so. I phoned all the Volvo Dealer's in my area, as I would prefere to use genuine Volvo parts on something as crucial as a timing belt. Acording to all that I contacted the Timing belt is about $85, the inj pump belt is no longer available, the tensioner is almost $100 (ouch) the water pump is no longer available, and no one knew if it did or did not have a idler. So, with that in mind I'm going to have to buy most of the parts from an after market supplier. I'm thinking "Gates" or "Contitech" as they seem to have a good reputation. For the belts what one of those company's would you advise, bearing in mind I want belts that match or exceed OEM spec. The timing and pump belts were changed at a Volvo dealer 40k miles ago and I have reciept to confirm, but cant find one to say if the water pump, tensioner etc were changed as well so I am going to assume they were not and fit new ones while I've got it apart. I'd like to get a kit if possible but will buy individually if no kit is available. Any commets, advice, suggestions etc would be very welcome, thanks guys,
Aidan.

Volvo do not manufacture its own belts.
don't forget that.

most of the time there are only 2,3 manufacturers...and 25 billion brands.

SKF is very good, the whole kit here is 85 euros but there are a continental belts in it lol.......

gates is good too.

the timing belt alone here is 15 euros.

the prices were you are are crazy.




60 000 miles maximum for the whole kit.

Dont forget that the Audi 5000 had a 2.0 litre diesel engine called D20 and later D20T. It was the same as D24 except it had 5 cylinders instead of 6.
It uses the same belts, same water pump and many other things so also search for Audi 5000 parts, ~1981-1986.

Steve

I used a gates kit on mine. Timing belt, pump belt, water pump and idler was about £100 I think. Mine is the earlier engine (760) where there is no seperate tensioner, it is temsioned by the water pump.