Cambelt change on 1.4 Petrol : What I learned

carbore

Member
HI, did the cambelt this weekend on my 1.4 Petrol.

I used this thread as my main info, its pretty good stuff. https://www.a2oc.net/community/index.php?threads/diy-cambelt-replacement.6583/

Buying bits
I got a gates cambelt kit https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gates-Ti...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648
I also bought the pully wheel tool, I diddnt regret that for a moment https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/S-BTBW-T...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648

What the kit doesn't have is a Auxiliary belt, I got one and good job too as mine was split.
Also the kit doesnt have a crank bolt, thats well worth getting.
I also needed over 1l of coolant.
You probably need some trim clips for the wheel arch liner.

Doing it
The thread above is great, but I did also use this one for reassurance https://pmmonline.co.uk/technical/timing-system-replacement-vw-polo-iii-1-4-16v/
It took most of the weekend (with a lot of breaks) partly as this is my first job on the car, Iv had it 2 weeks, so im unfamiliar with it all.
Im lucky to have an indoor workshop with power and light, couldnt imagine doing this on the side of the road.

Top Tips.
The thread is great, I printed it out and ticked it off as I went.
To get the trim clips off, push the middle in with a Allen key or someting similar.
Take a few breaks. and tidy up the workshop when you do.
Make sure you have washing up bowl or other catch tray for when you pop the water-pump off.
At step 19 I found it much better to fit the upper belt BEFORE the tensioner.
I used a large cable tie to hold the upper belt out the way so I could fit the tensioner.

I think thats it.
 
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