I have a 1989 VOLVO 740 GLE auto trans 4 CYL. St. Wgn with a dual 16 valve overhead cam. Do both timing best have to be replaced every time?

Asked by RonSh Nov 27, 2015 at 02:45 AM about the 1989 Volvo 740 GLE Wagon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I bought this car used and it had all the paperwork of maintenance at a
dealer's shop saying everything was up to date. For some reason, the first
time I had the timing belt repaired (by an independent garage that only works
on Volvos'), they only replaced the first belt and was reasonably priced.
The next time it was due, I took it to another repair shop that only worked on
Volvos'. They said that at his mileage plateau, both belts should be changed
as per the manufacturer's direction.  They said if this 2nd belt were to brake,
the entire engine would be destroyed, rendering it un-drivable. This repair cost
me a bundle....Five times what the other repair shop charged for the one belt.
Please clear this up for me.  Thanks.

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Paul answered 9 years ago

Both belts should be repaired, as far as the engine being destroyed if the belt was to break is suspect.

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apbimmer98 answered 9 years ago

If the timing belt were to break, you could potentially burn or bend a valve and throw the timing off, rendering the car undriveable. Replace both belts at the suggested mileage. A timing belt is NOT something you want to put off.

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