How to Loosen the Timing Belt Tensioner on a 1.8T VW Jetta


1. Remove both upper and lower timing belt covers. The upper cover is secured by tension clips while the lower cover is secured by two 10 mm bolts, one 5 mm bolt and one 6 mm bolt. Remove these bolts with a ratchet and socket of appropriate size.
2. Rotate the crankshaft with a socket until the camshaft timing mark lines up with the Top Dead Center (TDC) timing mark on the valve cover. Mark the timing belt edge to the camshaft and crankshaft sprocket with whiteout.
3. Insert a 8 mm hex driver into the tensioner pulley. Rotate the tensioner pulley to relieve tension on the belt. Carefully remove the timing belt without disturbing either crankshaft or camshaft sprocket.
4. Loosen the two 10 mm bolts and 13 mm bolt holding the timing belt tensioner in place. The tensioner then can be removed by loosening and removing the 14 mm bolt holding it in place.