Removing and installing valve stem seals (cylinder head installed) — VW

🧭 Before you start

Fits: VW Golf VII Variant (BA), VW Polo 6C (2014–2017), VW Golf VII (5G, 2012–2020); platform code AM1

• Special tools named: VAS 5161/12, VAS 5161, VAS 5161/6, VAS 5161/5, VAS 5161/2

🔧 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.

📋 Procedure

1. Remove plenum chamber cover. General body repairs, exterior50Plenum chamber bulkhead; Removing and installing plenum chamber cover
2. Remove engine control unit Assembly overview - engine control unit
3. Remove plenum chamber bulkhead. General body repairs, exterior50Plenum chamber bulkhead; Removing and installing plenum chamber bulkhead
4. Unscrew spark plugs with spark plug spanner3122 B.
5. Remove camshaft housing Removing and installing camshaft housing.

6. Remove lambda probe 1 before catalytic converterGX10Removing and installing lambda probe 1 before catalytic converterGX10/lambda probe 1 after catalytic converterGX7.
7. Remove bolts (arrows). Remove heat shield for right drive shaft.
8. Unscrew bolts (arrows), and remove oil supply line (1).
9. Set piston of respective cylinder to "“bottom dead centre”".
10. Insert a screwdriver with a shaft length of at least 250 mm into spark plug hole so that it contact piston crown.
11. Turn crankshaft in direction of engine rotation (arrow) until piston of respective cylinder is at "“BDC”".
12. Fit guide plate VAS 5161A/32 onto cylinder head and secure with knurled screws VAS 5161/12.
13. Screw adapterVAS 5161A/35 with seal into the respective glow-plug thread and tighten by hand.
14. Connect adapter to compressed air supply using a commercially available union and apply pressure continuously.
15. Insert punch VAS 5161/3A into guide plate. Use a plastic hammer to knock loose the firmly seated valve cotters.
16. Screw toothed piece VAS 5161/6 with hooking fork VAS 5161/5 into guide plate.
17. Slide sleeve VAS 5161A/32-1 onto assembly cartridge and insert cartridge into guide plate VAS 5161A/32-2.
18. Attach pressure fork VAS 5161/2 to toothed piece and press assembly cartridge down.
19. At the same time, turn knurled screw of assembly cartridge clockwise until tips engage in valve cotters.
20. Move knurled screw back and forth to press apart valve cotters and capture them in assembly cartridge.
21. Release pressure fork.
22. Remove installation cartridge.
23. Unbolt guide plate and move to side.
24. Remove valve spring and valve spring plate.
25. Pull off valve stem seal using valve stem pliersVAS 6770.
26. Place plastic sleeve (A), enclosed with new valve stem seals (B), onto valve stem.
27. Lightly oil sealing lip of valve stem seal.
28. Push valve stem seal onto plastic sleeve.
29. Carefully press valve stem seal onto valve guide using valve stem seal fitting tool3365.
30. Remove plastic sleeve.
31. Press assembly cartridgeVAS 5161A/32-3 onto insert tool from above and pick up valve cotters.
32. Insert valve spring and valve spring plate. For installation position of valve spring refer to .
33. Bolt guide plate VAS 5161A/32 onto cylinder head again.
34. Insert assembly cartridge VAS 5161A/32-1 with sleeve VAS 5161A/32-2 into guide plate.
35. Press pressure fork downwards and pull knurled screw upwards, turning it clockwise and anticlockwise. This inserts the valve cotters.
36. Reduce pressure on pressure fork whilst pulling on knurled screw.
37. Repeat procedure on each valve.
38. Install oil supply line (1), and tighten bolts (arrows) hand-tight.
39. Install lambda probe 1 before catalytic converterGX10Removing and installing lambda probe 1 before catalytic converterGX10/lambda probe 1 after catalytic converterGX7.
40. Install plenum chamber bulkhead. General body repairs, exterior50Plenum chamber bulkhead; Removing and installing plenum chamber bulkhead
41. Install engine control unit Removing and installing engine control unit J623
42. Install plenum chamber cover General body repairs, exterior50Plenum chamber bulkhead; Removing and installing plenum chamber cover
43. Install camshaft housing Removing and installing camshaft housing.
44. Install spark plugs Assembly overview - ignition system.

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• Removing engine · 41 torque figures
• Removing and installing camshaft · 47 torque figures
• Adjusting valve timing · 83 torque figures
• Removing and installing camshafts · 39 torque figures
• Removing and installing coolant pump · 53 torque figures