Cambelt should be done at 7 years/105k. So what else to do at the same time???

[Jmac]

From a technicians point of view lets not forget if you choose not to do the pump you will be putting more strain on an old water pump bearing with a new belt, its a fact so for the sake of 3 bolts , losing coolant and a bit of time cleaning the block why not fit a new pump, you not really saving anything by not fitting a new pump, i see many threads saying the " mechanic said the pump looked ok" yes you can chekc the bearing and check for coolant crust but how do they know the impeller is ok? they simply dont. My opinion is change the thing.
Jmac

[sambb]

is there anything unique about the job that means it should really be done by a VW tech or is belt/tensioner/water pump well within the realms of a non vw mechanic without time blowing out too much.

[h100vw]

is there anything unique about the job that means it should really be done by a VW tech or is belt/tensioner/water pump well within the realms of a non vw mechanic without time blowing out too much.

I would agree with that statement. Don't let them use anything but VW coolant or German aftermarket equivalent. Get yourself the engine manual from erwin and print out the relevant pages.

Gavin

[Umai Naa!!]

The biggest issue is the tooling required.

[h100vw]

The biggest issue is the tooling required.

I have done a few on my Polo the last six months and I would say the least mainstream tool I have used is a torx bit for the bottom end of the belt cover.

A set of allen keys won't undo anything, but I have had allen sockets for years.

Are you thinking of something else?

Gavin

[quattro5v]

A good set of torx bits will be helpful. The Crank Pulley will require a 5mm hex head (allen key) to remove so you can get access to the covers behind.

Aside from this, all bolts behind the timing covers are 10mm which includes tensioner and water pump. The idler pulley is either 12 or 14mm bolt.

The only thing I can see being an issue to someone attempting to change theirs for the first time would be keeping the pulleys in line under tension as the cam gear has a tendency to move once the tensioner is putting some backward force on the belt...

[Polo GTEye N9]

Good comments guys, so to really sort this belt issue is there a good DIY thread or Utube on this subject out there? Cheers Al

[h100vw]

Good comments guys, so to really sort this belt issue is there a good DIY thread or Utube on this subject out there? Cheers Al

VWVortex.com - Ultimate Timing Belt DIY!

[sambb]

is it imperative to go for a genuine VW kit or is it much of a muchness between that and the aftermarket ones?

[h100vw]

is it imperative to go for a genuine VW kit or is it much of a muchness between that and the aftermarket ones?

What aftermarket ones? From ECSTuning or the likes of Imparts?

Gavin

[sambb]

no I'm not after high performance belt kits. I just figured there'd be genuine factory VW ones and non-genuine original replacements from supercheap/autobarn etc. is there anything to separate those ones?

thx

[h100vw]

no I'm not after high performance belt kits. I just figured there'd be genuine factory VW ones and non-genuine original replacements from supercheap/autobarn etc. is there anything to separate those ones?

thx

ECSTuning doesn't mean performance. There's a Gates racing belt like I have on my Polo. Which is the same money as full retail on the aftermarket belts.

There's lots of reproduction/non-gen water pumps, tensioners, rollers out there but none are better or worse in my opinion. The quality is consistent as far as I am concern.

Continental, Gates, Optibelt, Dayco all do kits. I could get a full kit for $+-375 from Imparts for you. Don't go mad looking for metal impeller water pumps. The modern plastic ones will outlast the belt all day long.

Gavin

[noone]

If you end up organising a few, I'd be in. Still only 52k Km's, but it's an 06, so won't be holding out for the max mileage.

[quattro5v]

There's lots of reproduction/non-gen water pumps, tensioners, rollers out there but none are better or worse in my opinion. The quality is consistent as far as I am concern.

Continental, Gates, Optibelt, Dayco all do kits. I could get a full kit for $+-375 from Imparts for you. Don't go mad looking for metal impeller water pumps. The modern plastic ones will outlast the belt all day long.

Gavin

*Shameless plug* I have a standard 06a motor timing kit which is surplus to my needs (I have gone with a Gates manual system).

Includes steel impeller water pump, hydraulic tensioner, and new pulley.

But as Gav was saying, anything between $100 - $350 is where it's at for costs on timing kits.

[h100vw]

*Shameless plug* I have a standard 06a motor timing kit which is surplus to my needs (I have gone with a Gates manual system).

Includes steel impeller water pump, hydraulic tensioner, and new pulley.

But as Gav was saying, anything between $100 - $350 is where it's at for costs on timing kits.

Good deal, add a link Mike!

Do note that the belt roller on the BJX has a different part number to the rest of the 06A motors, no idea why.

Gavin