DIY timing belt change

[Willie]

I have not read this, I have not done this job before myself and I will not account for any iregularities in what is fact and fiction on this

BUT

Hope it helps people decide whether it is a job they would take on themselves or not.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2840728

 

[DPJ]

I used that guide when I did mine. It's very useful - the method for transferring marks between belts is spot on. I found it was easiest to take the engine mount out. With a bit of manoeuvring of the engine on a trolley jack, it's not difficult.

 

[Willie]

I used that guide when I did mine. It's very useful - the method for transferring marks between belts is spot on. I found it was easiest to take the engine mount out. With a bit of manoeuvring of the engine on a trolley jack, it's not difficult.

Yup when I changed my engine mount I moved the coolant bottle, power steering pump and the charge pipe out of the way and dropped the engine down as low as needed to get the old mount out and the new mount back in, it was no bother. I think you did a write up about it jsu before I did mine and I remembered this, thankfully.
I plan to change my oil pump so looks like I'm going to take this on at the same time, I'll be well crapping myself with this one.
Onward and upward

 

[godber225r]

Good find mate!! was searching for a timing belt guide. Will be doing this in the summer months i think. Going to buy the kit from awsome GTI aswell

 

[TimJK]

Fairly good guide but dont need the time the flywheel, can just use the crank pulley, they are simple belts to do just the hassle of moving reservoirs and the mount.

 

[adm013]

The only thing i would say is that instead of starting the car once you have finished, jack up the front and with it in gear turn the wheel by hand to make sure everything is as it should be, no untoward resistance or metal on metal action inside.

Andy

 

[Willie]

Good points guys keep them coming
Perhapswe could have this as a sticky or put into the servicing/maitenance section for all users

 

[DPJ]

Good points guys keep them coming
Perhapswe could have this as a sticky or put into the servicing/maitenance section for all users

I think someone should do a fresh guide of our very own. That's worth the sticky.

 

[Willie]

Thats a great idea Dave, need a willing participant.
If SCN pay for an INA baffled sump for me I'll do it next month

 

[Chaz]

I am planning on doing my cam belt in a few weeks. infact, I just ordered all the bits today..

 

[andycupra]

i thought there was an SCN guide.. - ive just looked, perhaps its not quiet as i remembered it...

 

[Chaz]

well - I did it today. not to bad. took me about 7 hours in total but all went well. am happy with the result!

 

[TimJK]

Eeek 7 hours is a long time, but atleast you gave it a go and all went ok

 

[adm013]

"Chaz well - I did it today. not to bad. took me about 7 hours in total but all went well. am happy with the result!"



7 hours not bad, its all the preparation work that takes the time, same with most things on cars.

You have any problems with it?

 

[TimJK]

Yeah that was a little harsh of me i suppose as its your first time, its just the hassle of getting the mount and coolant, power steering etc out of the way to access the belt that takes the time.

 

[Chaz]

yeah - it was my first time. no real problems doing the job..

Was a bit of a fiddly getting the upper cam cover off.. just lack of space really. The other issue I had was afte I removed the enging mount and bracket, I couldn't get the bracket out and just had to wiggle the old cam belt out and the new one in.

Also, itwas a little difficult to find the little hole in the tensioner to keep that slack...

no major issues though just a few bits that took longer that I would have hoped.

 

[TimJK]

Well its all things you learn with the more you do, easiest way to get more space is to remove the side engine mount then can do it in about an hour the whole job

 

[Chaz]

I did undo the enjine mount and the the bracket from the engine... but, I couldn't get the bracket out of the way.. I tried to lift the engine up and lower it down but I still couldn't get it out... not sure what the limits are for lifting and lowering while its still attached to the other mounts etc.

 

[TimJK]

What you wanted to have done was, put a jack under the engine and undo the dog bone mount bolts, then jack the engine up and gives plenty of space to wiggle the mount out

 

[Chaz]

ahh, didn't think about taking the dog bone off..

I did have a trolley jack on the engine though