A couple of weeks ago my 2001 Volvo V70 went to the workshop for maintenance (see the blogpost here), but unfortunately the garage noticed the pulley of the camshaft adjustment was in terrible condition. Thanks to that the engine was leaking some oil, but fortunately not for a long time. To solve this problem the belt gear must be removed (also the timing belt to remove the gear wheel) and since the timing belt should be replaced in about 30.000km the mechanic of the garage and I both thought it was better to replace it all right away (not only the pulley but also the timing belt, waterpump and tensioner or adjuster). An appointment was made and on April 3 the car went to the garage for this operation (which took about 6 hours). Since I never done maintenance on a newer Volvo myself ( a modern Volvo is way more difficult than a classic Volvo like an Amazon or 240) I always go to the same workshop (which is specialized in Volvo).
The garage didn’t have a car for loan, so I managed to borrow a 244 DL USA-import at a Volvo classic specialist
Later that day the V70 was ready and I took it home. But the car was missing a lot of power and wanted to stop running when waiting for the traffic lights. The next day the car had troubles starting and when the car finally was running the engine turned off when I moved the gear selector in R or D. After several attempts I managed to get the car working and immediately went back to the garage. When I arrived the car had even more problems with starting and even the warning light for the engine was on! In my opinion the timing belt wasn’t installed correct but the workshop denied to make such a big mistake and could be something else. I left the car at the workshop and they would investigate what the exact problem should be.
After two days the workshop called: they were sure the timing belt was installed correctly and it should be the camshaft sensor which causes the problem. They’re gonna to replace it and should be ready within one hour. But after 3,5 hours I was called again: they went to the Volvo-dealer who was certain the timing belt wasn’t installed correctly and replacing the sensor shouldn’t do the trick. The dealer lend the mechanic the original Volvo tools to adjust the timing belt. It appeared the timing belt was about 2 teeth wrong on its position. The mechanic adjusted the timing belt into the right position and the problem was solved. He also made a 40km testdrive to be certain the car was running fine.
The next day my girlfriend and I went to the garage to pick up the car. But when I started it there was a horrible screaming and wheezy noise coming out of the engine! I went back inside the garage and they told me the problem was caused by too much brake cleaner (they sprayed a lot of brake cleaner to the engine to clean some oil traces) which cleaned the roller of the multi belt. They inserted some teflon spray and it should be gone within a few kilometers.
But on the way home the car got some heavy vibrating and noises. I tried to call the garage but the phone wasn’t picked up. So when I arrived home I tried to call again but with no luck. I mailed them if the engine support rubbers were also damaged and the next day I got a mail back to check the wheel bolts. Very strange reply, and I thought it was very suspicious. So I checked it immediately: the left front wheel was very loose! After some intense discussion with the garage it appeared they’d thighten the wheels with the torque of a 850 (which should be 110nm, but their torque wrench is set on about 120-125nm) and not the torque the V70 or S60 requires (which is at least) 140nm. That could have caused the problem (the garage says it could also be theft, but the car was 4-5 days at their place). But fortunately there is no further damage on the vehicle, rim or bolts.