Technical Twincam timing belt
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Technical Twincam timing belt
I'm going to do my belt and tensioner bearing, water pump, all the coolant hoses, and what ever my radiator needs, have some of the parts but need to order a couple of things first, will likely have a couple of questions as well so hope this thread keeps going!
Iirc, your Spider has an Auto, trans?
I came across something while perusing one of the 124 Spider parts w/sites that I thought I'd mention to you to keep in mind if you're ordering parts.
It seems that the rear transmission mounting (rubber/metal support) is different on the Auto trans. version of the 124 compared to the normal 5 speed manual trans. type. (it's also unfortunately, dearer
).Its also interesting to reflect that on the Spider this job is DiY, costs sub £50. If I took a VW Golf to a dealer a timing belt change is £600-800 and the water pump seems to have become an integral part of changing the timing belt!
If your Golf has one of the petrol TSI engines (2017> in 1.0, 1.2, 1.5 and 1.6 litre), that price for a timing belt change is probably a bargain, as the book time is 4 hrs, the special tools needed are very pricey and it's one of the most complicated belt changes I've seen - lots of fine adjustments using the special tools, including (possibly) the use of an inclinometer that can measure -0.1*up to +2.3* down....
I've just been reading an article on this timing belt job in Car Mechanic's magazine, February 2025 issue, here's a pic of the special tools needed:-
Older models of VW had timing belts that were some of the easiest to change, but not anymore it seems.
Incidentally, many of the timing belt manufacturers have technical installation guides on their websites as do some of the suppliers of special tools/kits needed to change a belt, so you can check beforehand just what is involved before you commit yourself by buying the belt kit and tools.
Of course, entrusting the job to a dealership/independent workshop is not an absolute guarantee of correct installation...
EDIT:-
I've just checked the cost of the above mentioned special tool kits used in the magazine article
Laser set 8900, as shown above = £1489.49
Laser 9133 = £202.97 may also be needed depending on engine
Laser set 9155 = £ 1633.73 is a similar set to set 8900.
The Company's advice is to provide your car's VIN to your tool supplier to ensure you get the correct toolkit for your engine.
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Hi! Although I have not yet started disassembling my motor for the timing belt change I think I understand everything except for one...did I misunderstand that the crankshaft outer belt pulley that drives my alternator can be left on? I don't have a great view of things currently but it looks like to remove the lower metal timing cover the outer pulley needs to come off? I'm really hoping not to have to and risk bumping the timing mark indexing...thank you in advance for your wisdom! Terry
If you need to remive the crank (to change the oil seal etc) then the pulley needs to be removed.
For info if you haven’t got one?
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There is also a fee Fiat 131 manuals on line which use the same engine and transmission in some models
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I have the big yellow spider service manual, and a crappy Chiltons manual and they both mention removing the outer crankshaft belt pulley that drives the water pump and alternator, and then the lower metal cover to get to the timing belt..it will be great if I don't have to...when it was mentioned the crank pulley doesn't need to be removed I thought perhaps I confused the crank pulley that drives the timing belt , with the outer belt pulley thinking the belt pulley doesn't need to come off but I can't see how that lower metal cover can come off with the outer belt pulley that drives the water pump and alternator still on....this is because I can't get a good look in that area. And my inexperience having never done the task before , I will be removing the radiator beforehand so then I can get a better view...going to give my back a rest as ive been feeling a bit of sciatica coming on, seems to happen this time of year and i dont want to get a full blown case of it, timing kit still coming in the mail anyway...thank you!
, I will be removing the radiator beforehand so then I can get a better view...going to give my back a rest as ive been feeling a bit of sciatica coming on, seems to happen this time of year and i dont want to get a full blown case of it, timing kit still coming in the mail anyway...thank you!Here you go, try these, might need some coloured pencils to highlight the different components on the sectioned view of the engine!I have the big yellow spider service manual, and a crappy Chiltons manual and they both mention removing the outer crankshaft belt pulley that drives the water pump and alternator, and then the lower metal cover to get to the timing belt..it will be great if I don't have to...when it was mentioned the crank pulley doesn't need to be removed I thought perhaps I confused the crank pulley that drives the timing belt , with the outer belt pulley thinking the belt pulley doesn't need to come off but I can't see how that lower metal cover can come off with the outer belt pulley that drives the water pump and alternator still on....this is because I can't get a good look in that area. And my inexperience having never done the task before
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Thank you for the info! Perhaps I should have used the term "V" belt, (that spins the water pump and alternator), in front of the timing belt covers..it still sounds like that pulley needs to come off to get the lower cover off, please excuse my inexperience! It will all become clear once I'm doing it..
Yes I have the older style 38mm with right hand threads
If you are referring to the timing belt cover (usually plastic, sometimes aluminium) you dont need to remove the crank pulley to remove the timing belt cover and change the timing belt
That might explain my confusion..I'm under the impression there are 2 covers, the yellow plastic one, and a second metal one behind the crankshaft V belt pulley underneath the plastic one that needs to be removed...I need to stop asking dumb questions and wait until the front of the motor is off so I know more about what I'm talking about...thanks everyone for putting up with me! Terry
A good photo would be useful too.
