Valve timing - check/adjust — VW

🧭 Before you start

Remove the air filter, the upper water pump belt cover and the inlet camshaft cover, then take the plug out of the cylinder block. Unbolt the right drive shaft from the gearbox flange and tie it to the strut, then fit T10340 and tighten it to 30 Nm. Turn the crankshaft to its stop and check that the camshaft grooves face the gearbox side. Press the belt with T10487 and fit T10477; if it goes in, the timing is correct, otherwise adjust the valve timing.

Fits: platform codes 5U3, 5UC, 5UB

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job

Don't miss

• Tie the right drive shaft up; it must not hang on its own constant velocity joint.
• If T10340 won't go in fully, turn the crankshaft 90° in the running direction and retry.
• Do not position the camshafts with an impact tool.
• Both camshafts' upper asymmetrical grooves must face the gearbox side before fitting T10477.

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

🔧 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 air filter .
2. Remove the fastening bolts (arrow) from the upper water pump toothed belt cover, and the inlet camshaft cover
3. Release the cover pipe guide.
4. Remove the water pump toothed belt cover (1) and the inlet camshaft cover (2).
5. Remove the plug (arrow) from the cylinder block.

6. Lift the vehicle entirely. [Note: The crankshaft must be removed on the gearbox drive flange in order to install the Locating pin T10340 on the cylinder block (only for vehicles without elevated suspension).The camshaft is placed in front of the hole while the vehicle is lifted or placed on the ground.]
7. Remove the screws (2) that fasten the drive shaft with constant velocity joint (right side) (3) to the gearbox drive flange.
8. Place the final drive with constant velocity joint (right side) downwards and fasten it with wire on the suspension strut. [Note: The crankshaft with constant velocity joint must not be supported by its own weight. Otherwise, the joint may be damaged.]
9. Install the Locating pin T10340 on the cylinder block until the stop.
10. ⚠ If it is not possible to completely install the Locating pin T10340, the crankshaft is not properly positioned!In this case, proceed as follows: — Remover the Locating pin T10340.
11. Turn the crankshaft 90º in the direction that the engine turns.
12. Install the Locating pin T10340 by fully placing the crankshaft.
13. Apply a torque of 30 Nm to the Locating pin T10340. — 30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
14. Turn the crankshaft until the stop, in the direction that the engine turns.
15. In both camshafts, the upper asymmetrical grooves (arrows) must now face the gearbox side, as illustrated
16. In the exhaust camshaft, the upper grooves (arrows) are accessed through the cut-outs on the water pump drive sprocket.
17. In the inlet camshaft, the lower grooves (arrows) are located over the centre of the camshaft.
18. If the camshafts are not positioned as described, remove the Locating pin T10340 and turn the crankshaft to one additional lap towards the TDC. [Note: The Locating pin T10477 must facilitate the installation process.The crankshafts may not be positioned using an impact tool.]
19. Press using the Assembly tool T10487 in the direction of the (arrow) over the toothed belt.
20. At the same time, install the Locating pin T10477 in the camshafts until contact.
21. Tighten the screw (arrow.) to a tightening torque
22. Adjust valve timing .
23. Distribution times are OK.

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