Zach L
VR junkie
- Location
- Austin, TX
Hi all! Yes, I have some feedback on this job as I've just done one on a 2.0 turbo fsi. I found this thread when I was having trouble getting the engine mounting bracket out past the cambelt cover and inner wing. The op said it just comes out but the one I was working on didn't, and there was no way it would have without removing the battery and battery tray and then loosening off (but not removing) the three (18 mm) bolts on the engine mount which is below the battery. Once this is done the engine moves over just enough to get the mount on the cambelt side out, it's still a bit of a squeeze though.
I'm a mechanic and was trained by VW in the eighties and have done thousands of cam belts on most makes of car (some Alfa Romeos can be a bit 'challenging' :wink
I thought the op was very well done and anyone following it as a guide shouldn't go wrong. IMO the most important advice is turning the crank 2 revolutions after the new belts been fitted then checking the marks and the belt tension.
Thanks for the input. I've done a couple of these timing belts now. I've never had to loosen the transmission mount (as you mention), but it is always a VERY tight fit pulling the bracket out.
There is a black plastic shell that covers the fuel line connections in that area. It is this plastic "box" thing that gets in the way. Applying a large amount of elbow grease will allow it to slip through. :wink:
BTW, as I mention in the original post, having less flexible aftermarket engine mounts would probably necessitate disconnection of the transmission mount and/or the downpipe. Either will allow greater engine movement.