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2016 Volvo V60 T5 - Serpentine Belt Replacement & Idler Pulley Noise

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Robert C. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:17 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Volvo V60 T5 Premier

Hello Volvo community,

I've got a 2016 Volvo V60 T5 with about 95,000 miles on it. Lately, I've noticed a bit of a squealing noise coming from the engine bay, especially when starting up cold or when the AC is running. It sounds like it's coming from the accessory belt area.

I'm thinking it might be time to replace the serpentine belt, and possibly an idler pulley or the tensioner. What's the recommended interval for the serpentine belt on these T5 engines? Is this a straightforward DIY job, or are there any special tools or tricks I should know about? Should I replace the tensioner and idlers preventatively?

Thanks for any guidance!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:17 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A squealing noise from the engine bay, especially at startup or with the AC on, is a classic symptom of a worn serpentine belt or a failing pulley/tensioner. For your 2016 Volvo V60 T5, addressing this promptly is important to avoid a breakdown.

  1. Serpentine Belt Interval: Volvo generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at every service and replacing it around 90,000-100,000 miles or every 6-8 years, whichever comes first. Given your mileage, it's definitely due for replacement.
  2. Diagnosis of Noise:
    • Visual Inspection: Check the belt for cracks, fraying, glazing (shiny spots), or missing ribs.
    • Water Test: While the engine is running and making noise, carefully spray a small amount of water on the ribbed side of the belt. If the noise temporarily stops, it's likely the belt. If it changes pitch or gets worse, it could be a pulley.
    • Pulley Check: With the engine off, remove the belt and spin each pulley by hand. Listen for grinding, squeaking, or excessive play. The tensioner pulley and idler pulleys are common culprits.
  3. DIY Difficulty: Replacing the serpentine belt on the T5 engine is generally considered a moderate DIY job. It requires a specific tool (or a long wrench/breaker bar) to release the tensioner, and careful routing of the new belt.
  4. Recommended Parts to Replace:
    • Serpentine Belt: Always replace the belt. Use a high-quality OEM or OEM-equivalent belt.
    • Tensioner Assembly: If the tensioner pulley is noisy or has excessive play, or if the tensioner arm doesn't provide adequate tension, replace the entire tensioner assembly. This is often a good preventative measure at your mileage.
    • Idler Pulleys: If any idler pulleys are noisy or have play, replace them. It's often cost-effective to replace them along with the belt and tensioner, especially if you plan to keep the car for a while.
  5. Tools Needed:
    • A long-handled wrench or breaker bar (typically 1/2-inch drive) to fit the square hole on the tensioner.
    • A diagram of the belt routing (often found under the hood or in the owner's manual/repair manual).
    • Possibly a torque wrench for the tensioner bolt, if replacing the assembly.

When to See a Shop:

  • If you are uncomfortable working in the engine bay or releasing belt tension.
  • If you cannot identify the source of the noise after inspecting the belt and pulleys.
  • If the noise persists after replacing the belt and suspected pulleys/tensioner.
  • If the belt breaks, as this can leave you stranded and potentially cause other issues if it gets tangled.
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