How to Replace the Timing Belt on a VW Passat AUDI A4 A6 2.8L Engine Part 1

[@SP4CEMANSPIF]

BEFORE USING THIS VIDEO MAKE SURE TO VERIFY THE TORQUE SPECS FOR YOUR CAR! I used the specs he reads out and snapped off a couple of bolts. I'm not sure if it's because my car is 1 model year different, but I called a VW dealer for the proper torque specs and some of them were quite a bit different. And just as a side note: torque values are in foot-pounds, not feet per pound. The specs given me by VW were in newton-meters so I had to multiply by 0.738 to get foot-pounds

[@myRatchets]

I took an automotive occupational course years back,, than just trial and error and also watching ALOT of youtube vidoe's :) , tx for watching

[@sudheervelavoor]

Ratchets And Wrenches Thanks.for the real revealing

[@myRatchets]

It sounded fine, if you suspect if its any of the timing components and the noise is coming from there, you need to have it checked out immediately. Possible other causes for this engine to sound like a diesel is camshaft timing chain tensioner. Make sure your engine isnt knocking before you throw money at the car too. GL

[@joeyphillips2202]

Hey man, years later... and I am still watching your vids for help.... the TDC bolt plug that goes underneath in the side of the engine... is that absolutely needed? did you use it in this video? i have the metal bar cam holder... but not that plug... can I get away with not using it? Thank you sir.

[@donmayor9729]

i successfully replaced the fan clutch on my passat 4motion with the video. i tried the allen key trick and it got stuck in the pulley housing. i freaked out a bit, but had this ingenious idea to remove the timing belt cover. and found the allen key sticking out on the other side. just wanted to share my solution in case you find yourself in the same issue.

[@moesawat7974]

Thank you for the video, it helped me a lot. I’m fixing my friend’s car while I’m watching your videos step by step. It seems so easy when you do it in video, I found it hard with old bolts. They became rusty and I already broke 3. Lolz Thank you again for the help, all the success 👍

[@ashalan5233]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! It saved me about 1200 USD in labor. However i did use 4 entire weekends fiddelig with old bolts. Today i finally finished, and it didn't explode! Owe you big time, thanks :D

[@johnathankaison8380]

You prolly dont care but does anyone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost my password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me.

[@ianmekhi9294]

@Johnathan Kaison instablaster =)

[@johnathankaison8380]

@Ian Mekhi Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@johnathankaison8380]

@Ian Mekhi it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my ass :D

[@ianmekhi9294]

@Johnathan Kaison glad I could help =)

[@jasonmoore3969]

Hello from Portland Oregon. What did this engine sound like before? I have a 02 passat v6 that sounds like a diesel. Great video and its cool to see people who are willing to share and help.

[@joeypearson2386]

You’re absolutely awesome for these videos. So much help.

[@GOMEZJ76]

I have a question for you. I am doing this to a 2001 passat 4motion. when I took off the timing covers I noticed that one of the gears (left side facing the engine) is off by at least 15 teeth counter clockwise. I was going to put it aligned with the toolbar but it won't go on with it being off. my question to you is can I manually turn it back, of course just that one gear, so it can get aligned and put the tool on it ? I hope I made sense to what I am trying to say. Please let me know as I am about to do this for my in laws until the timing belt kit come in. I really appreciate the help and I love your videos on step by step on doing this... keep up the great work.

[@VqVick]

These cars are a nightmare to work on. Nothing comes easy with this engine. I own this car and it's hard on the wallet

[@Cowboy684]

worth it though

[@MrHorhell]

Bought a 2002 Passat 2.8 4-motion wagon with some front end damage. Once we removed and replaced all body parts the car would crank but not start. GOT LUCKY and found a video with a person that had a similar issue. We cleaned the out a EPC relay and it started! But now.. we discovered that the crankshaft on the passenger side is cracked. My question is, do I need to replace my timing system or can I swap out the cracked crankshaft for a new one with out throwing off the engines balance? Your video was a ton of help already!

[@mr.69yes83]

MrHorhell hey hi what were the symptoms on yours did it stall out outta nowhere and just crank and no start and also a code for camshaft position sensor and EPC yellow light on dashboard my friends is doing the same timing belt is still intact not snapped or broken any ideas would help HOW DO WE FIND OUT WHY THE EPC LIGHT IS ON FOR

[@stickytarmacs]

Mr.69 yes hello my car is having g the same issue did you find a solution for cam sensor code and EPC light?

[@myRatchets]

np tx for watching.

[@JohnDoe-wx1rk]

Please do a video on the Audi A4 B6 3.0 it will be the first on KZbin thanks love your videos sir you are awesome and wicked smart.

[@travyse01]

yes I realise that now ads just randomly misfire I saw a video on KZbin that fixes that I might have to do a compression test on the cylinders you can do a video on random misfiring off the engine and how to fix that will be great. thank you for the videos and thank you for getting back to me

[@JoelAutomotiveInaction]

did you just removed the front radiator with fans or did you have to remove the complete front bumper?? thank nice video

[@aboodz]

Thank you for reply, and please keep these videos coming. Maybe on day I will take one of these courses. They seem ridiculously expensive tho :(

[@lakerking209]

Hey im an amateur you can say most ive ever done is a brake change is it as easy as it looks my mechanic quoted me 3000 what would you recommend

[@myRatchets]

It always looks easier on camera, if you dont have experience doing a timing belt job you should not tackle this. I would call around and get a different quote! $3000 is an insane quote.. Did your timing belt break and he is quoting for a complete over haul of the cylinder heads as well? a fair price would be $700-$900 including parts and labor for the job I did!

[@davidd5338]

hey ratchets and wrenches while I was pulling the cam sprocket it rotated clockwise 1/4 turn. How do I get the cam back

[@jerrymercer2543]

I just need to put mine back in time, the previous owner did not have the tool and its off by one tooth. is there a way I can adjust the time (new belt) with out doing all this? like just take the tensioner off, adjust it, then put it all back together?

[@alonsocalderon9866]

I own a passat like that one and I'm gonna do the same job.. the only thing I didn't understand it's on minute 7:42 when you rotate the crankshaft thirty degrees, what's the reason of doing that? Why didn't you just leave it at the top dead center?

[@myRatchets]

Havent worked on those, but I would assume the procedure would be more similar to the 1.8L timing belt replacement for which I have a video on. Just check out my channel. GL

[@rom1net]

Need help. What is holding the power steering pulley? I took off the three bolts (like I saw you did at point 9:05 in the video) but it won't come off. Is there another hidden bolt? There is rust and I used wd40 and tried to pry it off. But I was afraid to bend the pulley. I wanted to ask you before doing something stupid and break the pulley.

[@myRatchets]

If its the same power steering pump, those 3 bolts should be it. Spray some PB Blaster and hit it gently with a rubber mallet from side to side, you should be able to break it free with your hands and a pry bar shouldnt be necessary. GL

[@travyse01]

great videos. Thanks to you I fixed the annoying burning smell issue with the half moon seal. But lately, the car is running rough, especially when accelerating after a stop. idle speed is low. I suspect the carburetor is playing up. Can you PLEASE do a video on replacing the carburetor on a VW PASSAT 2003 V6. Thanks for the great videos :)

[@myRatchets]

+Andrew Nguyen These cars dont have carburetor's they are fuel injected, Do you have any Check Engine Lights have you had the car scanned?

[@myRatchets]

Just incase one of the spring loaded camshafts decides to snap back or forward, this way you dont bend any valves. Doing this saved my ass once.

[@bryanstiles8467]

If you still around what do you do when that happens i was using the gear pulley and the camshaft moved clockwise down do piss off your videos are perfect

[@TheDemoexpert]

Can you please tell me for this V6 2.8L at what miles or kilometers should the belt be changed? I'm getting conflicting information from 120,000 miles or 140,00 miles?

[@davischow]

i'm wondering why you turned the crank counter clockwise 30 degrees? you didn't really explain the the vid. what happens if you don't turn it back 30 degrees?

[@chris002able]

I found that, in order to get the crank locking pin in, you have to move the crank back about 30degrees... I also found the harmonic pulley was totally snug on mine and I could wiggle it about 1/8" with the bolts loose so I wasn't totally sure where the harmonic timing arrows were supposed to line up before I tighten it :/ ...

[@jokjoksson4369]

Great vid! Really helped me out changing timing belt on Audi 2.4.

[@milohajek]

Hello Ratchets And Wrenches, I have a 1995 Audi A6 2.8 V8 AFC 12-valve and apparently the belt was so loose that it jumped/skipped on the cam sprocket and threw the timing/valves off. The compression on the passengers side bank is 125, 125 & 125 (which is the exact psi as it was 70k miles ago when the dealer did the head gasket on that side as it was leaking a tiny bit) so i know that this is a good sign as psi hasn't changed in 70k miles, the problem is on the drivers side bank where the compression is 120, 100 and 38 so there is obviously an issue with valve not open or closed properly. Also the timing marks on the cams and heads are not in alignment. I ordered the 3242 & 3243 tools as well as the timing belt kit & serpentine belt just for good measure, NOW HERE COMES MY QUESTION, HOW DO I GET THE CAMS/VALVES BACK INTO CORRECT ALIGNMENT? Any ideas are greatly appreciated. Thank You, Milo Hajek

[@SubStationSparky]

Why do you need to turn the crank shaft back 30 degrees? I got the plug tool in place under the block.. with my timing notch lined up. And the cam shaft bar too. What’s the purpose of doing that?

[@glenbjack2475]

THANK YOU u did best that ive seen that showed the reason behind and how to do this job thanks. wasnt sure on how to get correct tension on tensioner

[@mebusy2280]

OK OK I missed the latest updated video but can I please be given a break????? Just a little one is all I ask!!!!!I will check for your videos daily from here on out!!!! Scouts honor I'm going to go for it...here goes,I bought a 2003 Audi A6 Quattro knowing that it had coolant issues. Now, preceding this venture I had bought a 2003 VW 1.8 Passat that almost made it to the house...ugh (that one hurt) Regarding the Passat:Your head removal videos were my go to guide, you made it simple, understandable and totally doable, with all that being said after the head was removed my oldest son thought he was doing me a favor and disposed of it, now I don't know what the code for the model was...I think it was AEB, does that sound right? Regardless, I was given a 99 1.8 Passat to use for parts but as I was finishing up that removal I noticed that it didn't have the combi valve...could you tell me what years I could use for this model? It's such a nice car and everyone wants me to just throw it away...ugh...1800 for me is enough to cry over and I really don't feel like crying! By the way...what I think happened was that it was either extremely sludged up at the pickup tube or the cam shaft tensioner went bad...along those lines anyway. The camshaft bearings were totally melted. QuestionsWhat cylinder heads interchange with a 2003 VW Passat 1.8TShould I be concerned about the main bearings? (I'm thinking I should) Regarding the Audi:I was informed that the dealer indicated the auxiliary water pump was the cause for the water leak (there is absolutely nothing about that aspect on the web regarding it, ok three little videos but nothing as informative as you are, I'm thinking that would be a great next video tutorial...just a suggestion). Upon further inspection (although not 100% sure) I noticed the water pouring out of the front... I went ahead and removed the carrier...at that point I began removing parts to do an entire timing belt replacement to include the water pump and all pertinent associated parts only to find that when I tried to install the cam position holder bar thingy that the right side (passenger) doesn't line up. The crank indicates that it's at tdc ,but it's not at 12:00, more like 1:00 according to the alignment mark on the housing for the crank. I've turned it a couple times and neither will align at any point. I'm sure your knowledge has you on top of this situation.... QuestionsShould there be oil in the pipes coming from the throttle body? Y pipes I think they are called.How do I adjust the timing for this car? (Another great video from you about this subject would be awesome!!!)Will the crank be at 12:00 or slightly after for TDC? Your help on this would be so much appreciated!

[@antond139]

I have a 2003 Passat with the same motor. I had a bad oil leak and wanted to do the job you are doing. But my car lot mechanic only did the valve covers and the oil does not leak but I can visibly see the coolant boiling and the temp gauge never went past 12 oclock but has fell to 0. Also the coolant is not all G12 & water. The car runs fine but am concerned greatly by the coolant!! Thank You for your AWESOME Videos and Please Help!!!

[@montez1031]

Hey man, I have a question. At 7:45 in the video you turn the crank counter clockwise 30 degrees after the belt is off, why is this and whats the purpose of doing this?

[@myRatchets]

Its an extra precautionary step so if your cams slip in one direction during belt installation no valve to piston contact is made. gl

[@montez1031]

ok I thought so. Well, here's to hoping that no valves hit any pistons because during my belt replacement, the passenger side cam turned one way as i was trying to take off the sprocket with the gear puller and THEN the other way as i tried turning it back. I did have the crank back a few notches so hopefully nothing hit both times. I'll find out tomorrow if I messed up. Thanks and great videos by the way.

[@aboodz]

Yep! You rock! How did you learn to work on cars like that?

[@sickvic3909]

Left out the fun part / removing 4 cams and replacing chain tensioner.

[@melgaspar6281]

when you moved it back 30 degrees was the camshaft tool still on?

[@michaelderr1936]

Is the timing mark located on one of the teeth on the crankshaft gear. It's the only mark that I can find. It is located on the back of the tooth by the engine block. It goes across the tooth.

[@chekizz28]

hello my friend thanks for videos i got a question did u use the crank tool locking for this job? can i turn 30 degree crank counterclockwise with the crank lock? i hope u can explain me thanks for all

[@brandonhernandez4602]

hey ratchets and wrenches i have quite a dilemma i am trying to replace my timing belt for my vw passat 2000 4motion awd and the belt is warped but not snapped. any ideas on what the tools are named or parts numbers on them? please help

[@elpiojohernandez2741]

When you change timing belts always take off the spark plugs you don't need no especial tool or nothing you can even turn the cams with any wrench spark plugs make the pressure in any engine learnnn

[@jimd3643]

Thanks you for the video! I have a 2004 Passat 2.8 V6 , Auxiliary Water Pump (078-121-601-B), What is this pump's purpose? Does it have anything to do with cabin heat? Do you get a code if it doesn't work?

[@Krudovids]

Did you use his video to do this timing belt change? I have a question if you did. He talks about putting the crank shaft lock pin in the block so the crank won’t move out of TDC. However after removing the crank pully he then says to put a mark on the crank sprocket and the block after which you should use a socket wrench to move the crank 30degrees counterclockwise before removing the timing belt. How can you move the crank after the crank lock pin is inserted? Am I missing something? Did he not put the pin in? He won’t answer questions thus I’m asking you.

[@jimd3643]

Sorry, I did not change my timing belt.​@@Krudovids

[@llcoolpapa]

Nice job bro! I need a video on replacing a power steering pump! 2003 passat v6, 2 wheel drive. If anybody can tell me where to get a video like that! Thanks and good job, Patrick

[@DavidMorales-rl4ew]

What if the tool doesn't go on because they don't line up, what then

[@Kunzpilot]

Hello there, looks like some work you ´ve done there, I´m thinking on buying a 2001 2.8 Audi A6, guess is the same engine. The car has only 43 K miles on it, and I was wondering if I should be worrying about changing the belt, water pump and thermostat, not because of the miles on it but for the cars age, I guess time can do its job on the belt. Thanks for your advice.

[@myRatchets]

Yes 12 years is way too long even though it has such low miles...btw make sure you check carfax and that the car wasnt sitting for 3 years or something. You can also take off one of the covers and check the teeth on the timing belt to see how long you've got but I would replace it anyway if I was planning on keeping the car for a while. GL

[@Kunzpilot]

Thank you for such a quick response and useful info. Actually I haven´t decided if buying A6 or a BMW 5 series with 62K miles on it both are 2001, love the Audi for the looks and low mileage but I´ve read that the e39 is solid rock and less expensive to take care of. What would be your bet? Thanks

[@myRatchets]

I like the 5 series, I havent done much work on them but from what I hear they sometime have cooling system issues but over all are good. I personally would take the Audi A6 Quattro as long as it wasnt sitting somewhere for a long time, but thats just me. Cheers

[@nikodonnell3852]

@@myRatchets what would you do for this car if it had sat for 3 years

[@mjkulikow]

Why did you rotate the engine 30 degrees off of TDC?

[@chris002able]

I found that, in order to get the crank locking pin in, you have to move the crank back about 30degrees... I also found the harmonic pulley was totally snug on mine and I could wiggle it about 1/8" with the bolts loose so I wasn't totally sure where the harmonic timing arrows were supposed to line up before I tighten it :/ ...

[@mattvivona]

Did you use vice grips on the fan nut, or locking wrench? Where could I find one?

[@myRatchets]

locking wrench, harborfreight or autozone should have one. GL

[@5tgb100]

hi,can you please let me know how to replace the cam chain adjuster please ,I appreciate ,thank you .

[@patrickfrancis6483]

Hey ratchets and wrenches can u help me out please my 2.8l passat went out and i gotta get my timebelt fixed how long should it take a shop to do it and whats the average cost i should expect amy and all help is apprec thanks

[@myRatchets]

patrick francis If your timing belt broke you have bent valves and need to rebuild the heads or get a different engine. Since you are not doing the work yourself I would recommend a used engine or just cut your losses and move on. Sorry for the bad news, GL

[@automatic1737]

I have : 2001 Volkswagen Passat 2.8L FI DOHC 6cyl is it interference engine or not cause the belt broke see of its worth fixing

[@dorianlane78]

Can someone check length of oil dipstick for Audi a6 2.8 quattro 1998? It would be appreciated.

[@rav745]

I don't have that fancy tool so tmrw im winging it with out it!

[@phonephixer]

What size socket did you use to turn the crankshaft pulley?

[@snoopy5736]

I need to know this too. Gotta get it tmw

[@snoopy5736]

15/16 wrench worked for me

[@carerragted8145]

i have a 97 audi 2.8L quattro and it has 114k miles. the previous owner does not know when the belt was replaced last. is it possible that it has gone 114k miles and these amount of years on the stock belt? is there a way i can check to see if it needs to be changed? what should i do? thanks.

[@myRatchets]

You should be able to take off one of the timing belt covers and take a look at the belt. Now it takes an experienced eye to be able to tell if the belt is worn or not so you might actually want to have a shop or a mechanic do that for you. GL

[@carerragted8145]

Thanks. I will take it to my buddy He is a master tech. Thanks for the quick response.

[@GrindTimeAuto]

Is this the same procedure for a A4 3.0 V6 Engine?

[@oRteP]

Hi, will this work on an Audi A4 2007 2.0t Quattro? Thank you

[@lucidreality2519]

hey hows it going? im having trouble finding the locking tools in rhode island is there a way i can do this without those tools or?

[@myRatchets]

Lucid Reality You can mark the location of the cams in relation the timing belt covers but if you havent done much timing belt jobs I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you get the tool. You can rent it online from blauparts with a timing belt kit I believe. GL

[@KThugProductions]

Would this be the same process for the 12v car?

[@tomobomo9806]

I did it:):):):). thank you. you help me a lot. I also changed valve cover gasket. 11 hours

[@armandohilario]

how you aligment the camshaft for the camshaft tool

[@noeflore568]

Hey wats the tool call so the timing bell won't move

[@abhisheksidhpura5742]

I have A6 Diesel ... at Audi showroom they said I need to replace cambelt (I believe its timing belt). I was wondering if any body know how to find it myself if I really need to replace the timing belt of my car ! Because I have a doubt that they are just trying to rip me off!!

[@myRatchets]

Dont, it will be a real pain to line them up.

[@anthonymarshall6310]

At 5:37 he meant to say 6mm Allen head.

[@Dizahab2]

hi, i can't get the harmonic balancer off after taking off the bolts (also on mine there were 9 bolts 6mm). there is a lot of rust on the middle. how can i get it off?

[@myRatchets]

spray some pb balster in there, hit with rubber mallet on corners, spray some more pb blaster..wiggle and wiggle and it will come off eventually. GL

[@Dizahab2]

RatchetsAnd Wrenches thanks! it worked like charm. why did you move the shaft 30 degrees to get it into tdc? so it's not in tdc when you align it with the line? also, is it ok to take off the lock bar after a certain point? sorry, i'm a complete newbie. I appreciate greatly the video and help, thanks so much!

[@myRatchets]

I had the crank turned back 30deg so none of the pistons would be at the top of their stroke so if the camshafts snapped back while taking the cam gears off there wouldnt be any valve to piston contact. But after you put the cam holder tool on you turn the crank back to TDC and put on timing belt. When you get the timing belt on all everything you take the lock bar off. GL

[@Dizahab2]

should i take the pin out that's above the oil pan to turn it 30deg?

[@myRatchets]

Dizahab2 yes, if this is the pin that locks it in at TDC you'll have to.

[@BergVX]

What book/manual do you use? Or does anyone in the comments know what manual/book he uses?

[@myRatchets]

I use Alldata.

[@BergVX]

Thank you :)

[@corymiller4805]

Where an I buy special tool at a better price. Can shaft tool

[@Krudovids]

Did you use his video to do this timing belt change? I have a question if you did. He talks about putting the crank shaft lock pin in the block so the crank won’t move out of TDC. However after removing the crank pully he then says to put a mark on the crank sprocket and the block after which you should use a socket wrench to move the crank 30degrees counterclockwise before removing the timing belt. How can you move the crank after the crank lock pin is inserted? Am I missing something? Did he not put the pin in? He won’t answer questions thus I’m asking you.

[@Jan_Seidel]

Funny: you mention breaking timing belts after 65.000 miles and a service interval of 60.000 miles. The recommended service interval in Germany is normally 60.000 kilometers for a timing belt. So you exeed the interval with 44.000 km or 27.500 miles. I doubt that timing belts outside of Germany have such an extended lifetime.. So that's probably why you see so many broken belts :)

[@teecee3866]

Hello. Here in the "States" the recommended timing belt change interval is 75,000 miles.

[@corymiller4805]

Nice video. Thanks

[@BeatriceCheeFunVideo]

Camshaft holder will not go in i got it too dead center..

[@Krudovids]

This just happened to me. What did you end up doing? I fiddled with it and pushed it a little and it finally went in ok but now I’m wondering if by fiddling with it that I moved something I shouldn’t have. Although I didn’t loosen the camshaft bolts so I don’t think I did or could have. I’m trying to see if there is a way to make sure the cams and crank are in the right alignment.

[@jeremyyoungs6001]

hey thanx for posting this

[@antonb.3398]

thank you very much!

[@myRatchets]

np, thanks for watching. cheers

[@michaelderr1936]

I'm sorry. The engine is a 2.8L V6.

[@LordCornholio31]

I can't get the damn harmalic balancer off

[@myRatchets]

Sorry not familiar with that engine.

[@CERVANTRESPACO]

SE ME REVENTO LA BANDO Y SE DOBLARON VALVULAS LA REPARE Y AHORA SUENA UNA DE LAS CADENAS DE LOS ARBOLES ALGUIEN QME AYUDE SOLO SUENA UNA

[@user-zx7tg4ph5r]

Excellent!

[@Krudovids]

Did you use his video to do this timing belt change? I have a question if you did. He talks about putting the crank shaft lock pin in the block so the crank won’t move out of TDC. However after removing the crank pully he then says to put a mark on the crank sprocket and the block after which you should use a socket wrench to move the crank 30degrees counterclockwise before removing the timing belt. How can you move the crank after the crank lock pin is inserted? Am I missing something? Did he not put the pin in? He won’t answer questions thus I’m asking you.

[@natemurrell6182]

I have 203k on a 2003 Passat with a 30v with a factory timing belt and beat on it daily

[@donovanhudson8661]

Nice job I wouldn't attempt this..... Not yet anyways.

[@oRteP]

okay thank you

[@chrismontenegro2253]

Your torque specs are completely wrong you had me snap my bolt!!

[@maximogarciabarrios7484]

Thanks.............. time to sell this turd

[@ronaldcurtiss6196]

have a question the crankshaft it seems to be stuck and will only move about an inch both directions any ideas on what is wrong

[@jTran3]

Is this the same procedure for an 1997 A6 2.8 12v motor?

[@robertwaller7699]

THANK YOU!!!