Timing belt replacement: VW New Beetle 1.8 Turbo (APH, AVC, AWU, AWV)

🧭 Before you start

Strip the front of the engine: upper cover, ancillary belt, engine support bracket, crankshaft pulley and the three belt covers. Set TDC for cylinder 1, release the tensioner and remove the belt. Fit the new belt, set the tensioner with its locking pin, remove the special tools and confirm the crankshaft pulley position. Rebuild with Loctite where called for, refit the support bracket, covers and ancillary belt.

Fits: platform codes 1.8, TURBO

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: locking pin

Don't miss

• Always fit a new timing belt once it has been removed.
• Adjust belt tension only with the engine cold.
• Set and check TDC for cylinder 1 before removal and again after fitting.
• Renew the coolant pump while the belt is off, as recommended.
• Apply Loctite where the steps call for it on reassembly.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

1. Always fit a new timing belt after removal
2. Coolant pump renewal is recommended after timing belt removal
3. Tensioning bolt:
4. Remove the engine upper cover
5. Remove the ancillary drive belt

6. Turn the crankshaft to TDC for cylinder 1
7. Check the position of the crankshaft pulley
8. Disconnect the throttle valve control unit vacuum line
9. Remove the timing belt upper cover
10. Crankshaft pulley
11. Remove the crankshaft pulley
12. Remove the timing belt centre cover
13. Remove the timing belt lower cover
14. Remove the engine support bracket
15. Turn the bolt until the locking pin can be fitted
16. Remove the timing belt
17. Turn the crankshaft backwards slightly

Installation and checks

18. Refit the engine support bracket
19. Note: The engine must be cold before timing belt adjustment
20. Add Loctite
21. Fit the crankshaft pulley with one bolt
22. Engine support bracket:
23. Fit the timing belt
24. Remove the special tools
25. Add Loctite
26. Refit the timing belt upper cover
27. Refit the engine covers

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