VW Polo Alternator Belt Tensioner / Polo Water Pump Belt 1.2 3cyl

Replace auxilliary [serpentine] belt | VW Polo 1.2 3cyl engine. Repair belt tensioner (idler / guide pulley). Same engine also in Skoda Fabia & Seat Ibiza models.
On this engine, the belt drives air con compressor, alternator and water pump. Thus it's imperative the belt is in good condition.
A snapped belt prevents the car being driven (due to loss of water pump).
The example car is 2003.
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More Polo specific videos in my POLO playlist:
• VW Polo Alternator Bel...
No matter what car you drive, knowing how to test for battery or chargng problems with a simple multimeter is invaluble:
• How To Test Car Batter...
This was my first ever video and all filmed by hand, so sorry it's a little wobbly and a bit long.
If you've saved time, hassle or (even better) money, and you'd like to buy me a coffee:
paypal.me/cyclonecyd
Thank you

[@CycloneCyd]

Hi there. Thanks for watching my video. It was the first one I made and I'd really appreciate any constructive comments. I know it is a bit long, but I'm trying to make my latest videos shorter and more "bite size"

[@calin1980]

The tensioner pulley... that torx in the aluminium casting always shreds off... There is another solid steel one right in the centre of its wheel, if you use a flat screwdriver and remove the plastic cap on the wheel, you'll see it - it's much better releasing the tension that way... and it seems that does not shred... same torx 50 key. Oh... just watched the video further and you exposed that second torx too :)

[@ferenczsinko6770]

This video will save VW owners many £ hundreds from what the main dealer charges for this job. LIKED and subscribed.

[@CycloneCyd]

And it's not that difficult either. Yeah, dealers just rip you off

[@ajv8131]

Thanks for the video. You just saved me large recovery van fee to change the belt!

[@MrSpiritGame]

This is a move i was looking for. Everything is explained from start to finish. Thank you for this movie. You helped me

[@amynash6059]

Thanks very much for this, saved me the hassle and expense of using a mechanic, followed your instructions and perfect job done!

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks Amy. Pleased it was of help. If you've any requests, just ask

[@sonogenio]

Complimenti!

[@JonnyFRS3301]

Thanks for this video Sid, I’m going to give the job a go on my Polo. I suspect the current is original on 105,000 miles and find that it’s quietly hissing/squeaking when running. The tensioner doesn’t appear to be seized so will also perform a bearing check 👍🏻

[@paramon6191]

Спасибо за отличное видео и за полную информацию.здоровья тебе мил человек.

[@baybay5358]

Un grand merci pour ta vidéo ! J'ai pu réparer ma voiture moi meme :)

[@eBobbyo]

You can also lift the tensioner from the center by popping the cover and inserting a torx bit . Edit: And you demonstrated it on re-assembly!

[@CycloneCyd]

Great info, well worth knowing, but yeah, got it covered! lol

[@niamhglennon9340]

Great video!!

[@monisiura1]

very good instruction, I will do my polo myself without a problem

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks Korben. It's awkward, but not difficult. Keep the faith!

[@jameswelsh5672]

Brilliant video.

[@Pete2262]

Brilliant, thank you. In reference to your comment yes, make some more, very informative indeed.

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks Pete. More to come but just taking a little summer break right now.

[@changyUK]

Kudos, my friend, for a very helpful video!

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks. This was the first video I ever made and uploaded, but it has proven popular so I keep it despite the poor videography

[@srpatnaik4548]

Excellent Video...,Greetings from India...

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks. Where in India. I've a friend in Pune

[@lorisbradaschia1189]

Ciao grazie per le spiegazioni e video che fai e buon 2021 grazie

[@CycloneCyd]

Welcome aboard. Stay safe Benvenuto a bordo. Rimanga sicuro

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

Nice channel, subbed ! 👍🏻

[@CycloneCyd]

Thanks! Welcome aboard 👍👍

[@screwsnutsandbolts]

You're welcome :)

[@RBDET25]

How woundered if you could help, I cracked two tensioners so far 😅, tightened to 40nm and then when lifting to slide belt on the actual tensioner snaps were it mates onto bull head, what am I doing wrong

[@glyncooper1491]

Hi great vid does the idler have to come off to gain access or can you do it without taking it off

[@gb_291]

What would happen if the tensioner was too tight when putting it back in place

[@Yespower]

Thanks for a great video and clear, down to earth explanations. I've got a 2005 Fox, which is the same 3cyl 1,2 engine. Hard to find anything on it, but thankfully videos on Polos are abundant. User manual recommends a change of auxillary belt every 90,000kms (60,000mi). Mine has 111000kms so definitely due. When did you change yours? Cheers!

[@CycloneCyd]

Around 60k miles is usual for change interval. We bought the car with 90k on the clock and didn't know if the belt had been changed ever. Ours was also badly contaminated. It was also slipping on the alternator due to the seized tensioner. I've just released this, you might also find it useful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIramp6Xqdd_otE

[@Yespower]

@@CycloneCyd thank you!

[@lukemcdiarmid5513]

Hi, Just wondering did that pully tensioner bolt have "loctite" on it? Great video much appreciated, taking on the job tomorrow

[@CycloneCyd]

No thread lock that I remember. Did it go okay?

[@adincajic179]

l have the same engine,but it is a newer car model.l wonder if i can break something with that engine when I change my belt?

[@CycloneCyd]

I doubt it, unless you're seriously ham fisted

[@TheGuyInTheCorner747]

Was the there a wherrrrrring noise like a spaceship, while it was at idle, before you replaced the tensioner?

[@CycloneCyd]

TheGuyInTheCorner747 no this one had no noise. Could be the bearing. Use a mechanics stethoscope to listen to it. See my listen for faults video

[@davidhilton4659]

My auxiliary belt broke.The garage I took it to for repair also said that in addition to a new belt I would also need a new tensioner due to damage being caused when the belt broke.Is this normal to get such damage or are they being cautious or increasing my repair costs unnecessarily.Any advice would be much appreciated.Thank you.

[@CycloneCyd]

I'd say they are being cautious. The trouble is, if they find the tensioner is damaged, they'll have to get one in and meanwhile they'll have to push your car off the ramp and back on again. This could cost you more in labour and ramp time than the tensioner is worth. And you could be without your car for longer. Plus, legally they have to warrant the repair and last thing they need is you back in a month because the tensioner pulley bearings are squeeling! You might say they should have done it properly in the first place.

[@lokeshpattnayak4739]

Hi friend , thanks for the informative video . How can we check if the idler pulley and tensioner are fine or not . Can idler pulley and tensioner repaired/fixed in case of pulley issues or it needs replacement only .

[@CycloneCyd]

The tensioner is purely mechanical. As long as it's not broken it should be fine once cleaned up. The pulley runs on a bearing, which is sealed. As long as the bearing isn't letting in dirt & water and continues to run smooth, it should be fine. Yes, the pulley can be removed and the bearing replaced, provided you can source a bearing of the correct size, but only you can decide if it's worth the hassle or whether to get a new pulley/tensioner.

[@lokeshpattnayak4739]

@@CycloneCyd Thanks for the informative video. One point to be added in the video . There is a locking position to insert a small pin to keep the tensioner in the upper position to place the Vbelt easly. I replaced my V-Belt and also had to change the Tensioner.But after changing the Tensioner and Vbelt , I am getting a strange noise [engine thudering] in slow speeds, especially when changing gears below 30kmph. The sound goes away with speed. There are no errors in VCDS . I have hand tighted the tensioner and was afraid as the bolt and assembly were aluminium made and was afraid of breaking it / thread tear . Any suggestions for the engine sound issue at low speeds .

[@gregwood7794]

Hi there new to this channel, I'm a mechanic in training half way through my level 2 nvq now and work at a garage on days not at collage, I find you videos informative and interesting, just one thought when removing the belt as the tensioner was stripped out why didn't you cut belt off ?? Just think there is a chance you could cause damage to the block or head or other auxiliaries when getting a bar in to remove belt, not saying what you did was wrong just preventing more work

[@CycloneCyd]

If the belt was cut off and then one found one had got the wrong spare ...... be up shit creek❗

[@evieemaya88]

Great video. Can i ask where the oil leak was coming from? Thanks

[@CycloneCyd]

Arts&Trusts Thanks for watching. It is the cam cover gasket weeping. It's very minor but when I filmed this we'd only just got the car and it clearly had never been cleaned. An annual clean down is doing the trick at the moment.

[@obsess23]

Buna seara. am si eu o intrebare. la un Polo, model din 2006. motor de 1.2, 47kw benzina. este aceasi schema la montarea curelei de transmisie?

[@CycloneCyd]

I translate that as: Good evening. I have a question. At a Polo, 2006 model. Engine 1.2, 47kw gasoline. Is the same scheme for mounting the transmission belt? Yes. It should be = Da, ar trebui să fie Thanks for watching. I hope this helps you, despite the language barrier Multumesc pentru vizionare. Sper că acest lucru vă ajută, în ciuda barierei lingvistice I have a Romanian friend at work so if you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask Am un prieten român la serviciu, deci, dacă aveți întrebări, nu ezitați să întrebați I do hope Google Translate got all that right, lol

[@user-sd7oy1jr4e]

DA

[@obsess23]

Mulțumesc

[@obsess23]

Thank You, Cyclone Cyd

[@yoyoandualem6008]

Can i find it on the market ?

[@zeez9053]

Beets me why you didn’t use the lever to take the tension of the pully instead of trying to lever the rubber off

[@shubhampanchal4392]

Which no belt use?? Anyone suggest

[@CycloneCyd]

with AC bit.ly/aux_belt_Polo_12_cw_ac without ac bit.ly/aux_belt_polo_12_wo_ac

[@preet22able]

Sir what is the life of tensioner my vw polo 1.2 petrol 90k km done i never change v belt or tensioner now am thinking to change v belt but confuse need to change tensioner or only v belt

[@CycloneCyd]

YES, change the belt. Tensioner should last forever, but inspect it, especially bearings. They should operate smoothly. Clean all pulleys with brake cleaner before putting new belt on.

[@preet22able]

Ok thx brother u mean no need to change tensioner i will change only belt

[@CycloneCyd]

@@preet22able correct. But inspect the tensioner, it's usually the bearings on the pulley wheel that go. If it ain't broke don't fix it 👍

[@remicollin1071]

Why didn't you replace the water pump as you would do for a timing belt replacement ?

[@CycloneCyd]

Hi Remi, thanks for watching and interacting. Water pumps driven by timing belts are usually internal to the engine (eg Fiat derived 1.9 diesel in many Vauxhall/Opels) and changing them requires a new timing belt (NEVER re-use a timing belt), thus even a small weep of coolant from a pump can turn into an expensive exercise to repair. Thus it is common practice to replace such pumps when changing a timing belt as the extra cost of the pump is small compared to the cost of the job or risk of failure. In this instance, the belt is an external auxiliary belt which is cheap and easy to replace. Also the pump is external to the engine and also easy to replace. The costs of repair (and risks involved) in case of pump failure are relatively low, so "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" is perfectly valid.

[@mufuliramark]

Why didn’t you just use the t50 in the top pulley to loosen and remove the belt rather than prise the belt off

[@midnitefawn9250]

Good video, but all I needed from this video was on 7:30 where to position the tensioner :( the only way mine sits touches the alt pulley.... Can't be right

[@CycloneCyd]

midnite fawn The tensioner pulley can rest againt the alternator pulley when their is no belt fitted. Once the belt is fitted and the tensioer is rotated counter clockwise to create spring tension it will be about 2cm away from the alternator pulley. If they are touching with the belt fitted, then yes there is something wrong! Check the following: 1. correct belt? compare length of new and old 2. alternator mounted properly and firmly 3. water pump and pulley properly mounted 4. correctly routed the belt? I've put a picture of a non aircon belt route here: drive.google.com/file/d/0B0vcrimDejOtQlZyTXZOb2VvbEU/view?usp=sharing note the non aircon has no idler pulley Hope that helps.

[@midnitefawn9250]

Top tips. Thanks :)

[@brianodughaill7169]

What is the pulley at the very bottom? The large one that the tensioner pulley leads to at 0:55?

[@CycloneCyd]

Directly below the alternator? That's the aircon compressor.

[@brianodughaill3090]

@@CycloneCyd thanks for the quick reply, I mean the one deeper in actually. You can see the white writing on the belt around when it's not moving at the start of the video

[@CycloneCyd]

@@brianodughaill3090 with the big bolt in the middle? Crankshaft pulley

[@brianodughaill3090]

@@CycloneCyd thanks very much. I have a rattle coming from the engine and it looks to be it that's causing the noise, do you have any idea what might be the issue, what I can do to fix and how serious it could be?

[@CycloneCyd]

@@brianodughaill3090 Two possible candidates: Some cars have a composite pulley with two halves separated by rubber. I don't think that's the case here, but have a look at your to double check. If it is composite, they can separate and fail. Easy fix with a new pulley. Since I don't think these had a composite pulley, it's more likely to be timing chain rattle. These are prone to this if the oil hasn't been changed regularly - ie twice a year or every 5-7k miles. Get yourself a mechanics stethoscope - very useful tool and brilliant for tracking down odd noises bit.ly/mech_steth

[@manikandanganesan7421]

What's the lifetime of this engine? How long it will run?

[@CycloneCyd]

Forever if you look after it. I change oil and flush every 5000 to 6000 on the whole family fleet If not looked after it could easily be knackered in 75,000 miles. Important with these 3cyl engines to use high octane fuel (97 RON) - they are otherwise prone to burning #2 exhaust valves.

[@manikandanganesan7421]

Cyclone Cyd Maximum kms you driven as of now?

[@CycloneCyd]

Manikandan Ganesan that Polo has 124000 miles. So about 200000km

[@aadilmavatiaadilmavati6524]

Hi

[@CycloneCyd]

and hello to you too

[@anis7399]

Good and clean work but i didn't like the way u removed the belt in the begining u could scratch it and hello squeaking again

[@CycloneCyd]

anis marseni I think you missed the point. The belt is being replaced so damaging it getting it off hardly matters any. I wouldn't ever recommend refitting a used belt.

[@alanjones7429]

what a fucking job if you buy a new tensioner and it hasent got the star key on the pully ur fucked my new one i put the right size key in and it stripped it immediately rubbish design ull have to use a crow bar to get it on like i did

[@graanbacha8854]

alan jones I fully agree what you are saying