[ylwagon]

Here is an AEB -1.8T timing belt tensioner, which has about 70,000 miles/6.5 years on it. It looks OK, except that it is locked up. This is from the car that AndreasPassat helped us with on Thanksgiving weekend. The roller will turn a few degrees either way, then won't move. There are also no polished marks on the roller which would indicate that it stopped while the belt was moving, so it evidently jammed as the engine was shut off for the timing belt job. The back of the belt looks good too- no evidence of slipping on a stopped roller. This wagon must have a guardian angel, because I was actually going to just replace the drippy water pump and put off the TB job. Had I done so, it likely would have thrown the old belt before I knew what happened. This is the same car that went for 70 miles, a lot of that in slow traffic, without the alternator working. I've told how it could barely idle as it got me to my driveway.

Here's another thing; the timing system parts I had on hand weren't even for an AEB, they are AWM parts, so now I have to wait for a new kit! I'll be selling those parts at a big discount if anyone needs them.

 

[dbrick]

Talk about dodging a bullet! You are one lucky duck.

 

[ylwagon]

While I wait for the timing belt components to arrive, I'm all set to finish the coolant pump change.

The coolant pump on the AEB can be changed without disturbing the timing belt, but it's still a whole bunch of disassembly. Here's a pic of the Aluminum structure that holds the pump/thermostat housing, the alternator, mechanical fan, and the power steering pump. The alternator will be taken off before the casting is bolted back onto the block.

Another thing to watch out for; I found that two of the screws which attach the crankshaft seal cover to the block were missing! We've owned this car since new, and that has never been touched, so evidently they fell out! One screw is directly above the crank sprocket, so how it disappeared without jamming the belt, I don't know.

 

[AndreasPassat]

:icon_eek:
Me being just a bit late and us not being too enthusiastic while just sitting around talking (and eating ) proved to be the best plan of the day.
This so easily could have been a shoulda, woulda, coulda situation. It's obvious the Passat gods were looking down on you for this one.

It's for this exact reason I can justify spending extra money that's not really needed on certain jobs. You just never really know.

 

[ylwagon]

Boy that's the truth. Can you imagine my wife's reaction to the valves being ruined as I proudly show it off?

 

[Emry]

While I wait for the timing belt components to arrive, I'm all set to finish the coolant pump change.

The coolant pump on the AEB can be changed without disturbing the timing belt, but it's still a whole bunch of disassembly. Here's a pic of the Aluminum structure that holds the pump/thermostat housing, the alternator, mechanical fan, and the power steering pump. The alternator will be taken off before the casting is bolted back onto the block.

Another thing to watch out for; I found that two of the screws which attach the crankshaft seal cover to the block were missing! We've owned this car since new, and that has never been touched, so evidently they fell out! One screw is directly above the crank sprocket, so how it disappeared without jamming the belt, I don't know.

Now that you're that deep in quagmire, why not changing the alternator brushes as well.

 

[VAGguy]

Now that you're that deep in quagmire, why not changing the alternator brushes as well.

Good idea, or at least check to see how much extension you have left on them.

 

[ylwagon]

Now that you're that deep in quagmire, why not changing the alternator brushes as well.

I actually did that maybe a year or so ago, and made a post about it. Worn out brushes was why the car's alternator quit on me as I mentioned. The new brushes cost all of $4 for the pair, plus a few minutes of light sanding to make them fit, and some soldering.

 

[Emry]

I actually did that maybe a year or so ago, and made a post about it. Worn out brushes was why the car's alternator quit on me as I mentioned. The new brushes cost all of $4 for the pair, plus a few minutes of light sanding to make them fit, and some soldering.

I see. So this is the same car then. Yeah I recall you changed the brushes but don't know if you had posted any pix. If I ever go for TB change I surely want to replace the brushes on my alternator.

 

[hodgson316]

Good advice! Where did you get the AEB kit from?

 

[jjpark]

I just had my timing serviced by a VW mechanic and didn't have the tensioner changed as he said they "usually" don't go bad if you aren't having issues with it currently.

Welp I took his word for it and within a week I believe mine is a bit stressed (maybe due to a new tighter belt)?? as it's either on it's way out or I have sucked a bird in the engine bay and it's only chirping on cold starts and goes a way after a few min.

I am pretty sure it's not squealing due to the pulley locking up and the new belt slipping.

Thoughts??

 

[kutcht1]

jj, I would for sure get it isolated and solved. Could also be one of the other belts as they were also removed and the lower for sure was re-manually tightened. Don't go long with the issue and if it does persist and you don't get it sorted out change those parts that were not (and make that mechanic eat the cost of not changing parts).
My 2 sense.
TomK

 

[ylwagon]

Where did you get the AEB kit from?

It was Blauparts, and I'm not too pleased that this thing almost caused me to call the car charity. I've got plenty of of things around the house that need attention, than to hassle with changing a cylinder head. I couldn't find any manufacturer name or part numbers on the tension roller, so who knows where it came from.

 

[John_E]

It was Blauparts, and I'm not too pleased that this thing almost caused me to call the car charity. I've got plenty of of things around the house that need attention, than to hassle with changing a cylinder head. I couldn't find any manufacturer name or part numbers on the tension roller, so who knows where it came from.

That is one problem with the 1.8T -- lots of versions, lots of variation in parts. I usually double-check part numbers among vendors, since I have the dual complications of the short-production AUG version and one of the last pre-facelift B5 wagons made. If a website does not ask me for enough specifics, I am doubly cautious about ordering from them.

I'll have to visit you in Fallbrook sometime, maybe after I get the new ignition coilpack installed in the 2.8 12-valve. (Lots of unnecessary fun, since they routed the wires under the intake manifold. I'll probably just cut the wires from the old coilpack and route the new coilpack's wires over the top of the engine. Not pretty or elegant, but no need to take down the whole fuel rail and injector system to remove the big intake manifold assembly to get at the wires. They sure make some procedures unnecessarily entertaining. I have been driving my other son's old 2005 Camry for a couple of weeks. It's comfortable and reliable, but not much else. The over-assisted steering and braking and generally sloppier handling take all the fun out of driving, but it does get me from Point A to Point B.)

It could be worse. I have a 6-year-old Whirlpool Cabrio high efficiency washing machine (not recommended) on which I have spent over $200 on parts, including a new transmission, water pump, and suspension rods. (Sounds like car work. ) It's a good thing I shop around for my parts and do all of my own work on it. Two different vendors sent me incorrect parts and finally had to refund my money when they couldn't figure out the right parts.