Checking semi-automatic toothed belt tensioner: VW Polo 6R / Polo 9N (AFK, AHW, AKQ, APE, …)

🧭 Before you start

Fits: VW Polo 6R (2009–2014), VW Polo 9N (2001–2009)

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: 3415
• Renewed: tensioning roller

Don't miss

• Mark the direction of rotation of the poly V-belt and remove belt .
• Turn crankshaft two turns in engine direction of rotation until it is again at top dead centre No. 1 cylinder.
• Note position of tensioning roller indicator (arrow). Press toothed belt forcefully with thumb. The indicator must move.
• Turn crankshaft two turns in engine direction of rotation.
• Then check position of indicator. It must have returned to its original position.

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📐 21 workshop diagrams for AFK

Real factory drawings for this job — timing marks, bolt locations and routing. Locked in the free view.

📋 Procedure

1. Remove air filter housing (only engine codes AUA, AUB, BBY, BBZ and BKY)
2. Remove upper toothed belt guard.
3. Unscrew coolant expansion tank and lay to side.
4. Remove engine splash protection.
5. Remove front right wheel housing liner: General body repairs, exterior66Removing and installing wheel housing liner.

6. Mark the direction of rotation of the poly V-belt and remove belt .
7. Fit support bracket10 - 222 A with frame10 - 222 A /1 as shown.
8. Remove upper securing bolt from lower toothed belt guard beneath engine bracket.
9. Take up weight of engine and remove securing bolts (A).
10. Remove securing bolts (B) and remove assembly mounting.
11. Remove engine bracket on cylinder head.
12. Lower engine until the pulley securing bolt is accessible.
13. Remove pulley securing bolt and toothed belt pulley. Hold belt pulley with counterhold3415 and pin 3415/1.
14. Remove pulley. Refit securing bolt with two washers and tighten to secure toothed belt pulley.
15. Remove poly V-belt tensioning element on vehicles with an air conditioning system.
16. Remove lower toothed belt guard.
17. Turn crankshaft two turns in engine direction of rotation until it is again at top dead centre No. 1 cylinder.
18. Note position of tensioning roller indicator (arrow). Press toothed belt forcefully with thumb. The indicator must move.
19. Release tension on toothed belt.
20. Turn crankshaft two turns in engine direction of rotation.
21. Then check position of indicator. It must have returned to its original position.
22. Replace tensioning roller.
23. Note position of tensioning roller indicator (1). Press toothed belt forcefully with thumb (arrow). The indicator must move.
24. Release tension on toothed belt.
25. Turn crankshaft two turns in engine direction of rotation.
26. Then check position of indicator. It must have returned to its original position.
27. Replace tensioning roller.
28. Refit lower toothed belt guard.
29. Refit crankshaft pulley. Observe the following:
30. Fit engine bracket to cylinder head. Specified torque: 50 Nm. — 50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
31. Install poly V-belt tensioning element again on vehicles with an air conditioning system.
32. Install engine assembly mounting. Specified torque
33. Install lower part of toothed belt guard.
34. Install poly V-belt . [Note: When installing poly V-belt, ensure that belt seats correctly in pulleys.]
35. Install front right wheel housing liner: General body repairs, exterior66Removing and installing wheel housing liner.
36. Install engine splash protection.
37. Secure coolant expansion tank.
38. Install air filter housing .

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