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How to Replace timing belt on VW Passat 3C 1.6

Replacement Interval Guide

  • Volkswagen recommend check at the first 60,000 miles and then every 20,000 miles (replace if necessary).
  • No manufacturer’s recommended replacement interval.

NOTE: Volkswagen UK recommend the timing belt is replaced every 4 years.

  • The previous use and service history of the vehicle must always be taken into account.

Check For Engine Damage

CAUTION: This engine has been identified as an INTERFERENCE engine in which the possibility of valve-to-piston damage in the event of a timing belt failure is MOST LIKELY to occur. A compression check of all cylinders should be performed before removing the cylinder head(s).

Repair Times – hrs

Remove & install:
Golf/Golf Plus/Jetta/Passat/Touran 2,20
Caddy 1,90

Special Tools

  • Auxiliary drive belt tensioner locking pin – Volkswagen No.T10060A.
  • Two-pin wrench – Volkswagen No.T10020.

Special Precautions

  • Disconnect battery earth lead.
  • DO NOT turn crankshaft or camshaft when timing belt removed.
  • Remove spark plugs to ease turning engine.
  • Turn engine in normal direction of rotation (unless otherwise stated).
  • DO NOT turn engine via camshaft or other sprockets.
  • Observe all tightening torques.

Removal

How to Replace timing belt on VW Passat 3C 1.6
How to Replace timing belt on VW Passat 3C 1.6
  1. Raise and support front of vehicle.
  2. Remove:
      • Engine undershield.
      • Engine upper cover.
      • Auxiliary drive belt. Use tool No.T10060A.

    NOTE: Remove auxiliary drive belt tensioner locking pin No.T10060A before removing RH engine mounting.

  3. Drain coolant (if necessary).
  4. Disconnect coolant expansion tank top hose.
  5. Remove:
      • Coolant expansion tank. DO NOT disconnect hoses.
      • Timing belt upper cover [1] .
  6. Turn crankshaft to TDC on No.1 cylinder.
  7. Ensure crankshaft pulley timing marks aligned [2] .
  8. Ensure camshaft sprocket timing marks aligned [3] .
  9. Support engine.
  10. Remove:
      • Crankshaft pulley bolts [4] .
      • Crankshaft pulley [5] .
      • Timing belt centre cover [6] .
      • Timing belt lower cover [7] .
      • RH engine mounting.
      • RH engine mounting bracket.
  11. Slacken tensioner pulley nut [8] . Turn tensioner clockwise away from belt. Use tool No.T10020 [9] . Lightly tighten nut [8] .
  12. Remove timing belt.

    NOTE: Mark direction of rotation on belt with chalk if belt is to be reused.

Installation

NOTE: Engine must be COLD.

  1. Ensure camshaft sprocket timing marks aligned [3] .
  2. Fit timing belt to crankshaft sprocket and water pump sprocket.
  3. Install:
      • Timing belt lower cover [7] .
      • Timing belt centre cover [6] .
      • Crankshaft pulley [5] .
      • Crankshaft pulley bolts [4] .
  4. Tighten crankshaft pulley bolts [4] . Tightening torque: 10 Nm + 90°. Use new bolts.
  5. Ensure crankshaft pulley timing marks aligned [2] .
  6. Fit timing belt to tensioner pulley and camshaft sprocket.

    NOTE: Ensure belt is taut between sprockets on non-tensioned side.

  7. Ensure tensioner retaining lug is properly engaged [10] .
  8. Slacken tensioner pulley nut [8] .
  9. Turn tensioner 5 times fully anti-clockwise and clockwise from stop to stop. Use tool No.T10020 [9] .
  10. Turn tensioner fully anti-clockwise then slowly clockwise until pointer [11] aligned with notch [12] in baseplate. Use tool No.T10020 [9] .
  11. Tighten tensioner pulley nut [8] . Tightening torque: 20 Nm.
  12. Turn crankshaft two turns clockwise to TDC on No.1 cylinder.

    NOTE: Turn crankshaft last 45° smoothly without stopping.

  13. Ensure camshaft sprocket timing marks aligned [3] .
  14. Ensure crankshaft pulley timing marks aligned [2] .
  15. Ensure pointer [11] aligned with notch [12] in baseplate.
  16. If not: Repeat tensioning procedure.
  17. Install components in reverse order of removal.
  18. Refill coolant (if necessary).
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