Mk4 Volkswagen Golf GTI Timing Belt & Water Pump Replacement DIY (1998-2006 VW Beetle, Jetta, Golf)

[@hollow34]

Successfully changed my timing belt and water pump using this video, thank you. Reused all bolts, car hasn't fallen apart yet.

[@braydeningles1204]

1.8t or 2.0 I’m looking for the 2.0 and I got sent here lol

[@davidsnaith9041]

Dangerous video. So detailed and clear, it almost gives me the confidence to do the job myself.

[@nostalgicrip7715]

U can

[@craigbrub]

Just finished this install on my car - this video was very, very helpful, so thank you FCP team! Few things from my install: - My crank bolt was a 19mm 12-point socket, not a 21mm, so appears this bolt size may vary between the 1.8T's. Just a heads up for anyone else tackling this job. My car was an '05 GTI w/ engine code AWP, not sure that matters, but noting it. - The crank pulley bolts were also a 6mm allen, so different than noted in the vid. - For removing the engine mount bracket, I could not for the life of my get it removed or installed from the top of the car, ended up dropping it down and re-installing from underneath. Hope this may help others in the future!

[@andrewdeem6336]

Huge thanks Jay and FCP Euro! You gave me the information and confidence I needed to complete a timing service on my 20th AE. A few things for other viewers... - 19mm on the crank bolt instead of 21mm - I replaced my motor mount, serpentine belt, thermostat, and housing (170k on the original parts) - The Motor Mount Bracket is a pain to get in and out. Be patient and adjust the height of the engine up and down to squeak it by. - The Hydraulic Tensioner also is a pain to install. Again, breath and be patient - The timing belt covers are surprisingly difficult to reinstall as well.

[@elderoo8483]

Having the same difficulty. Cannot get the motor mount in now the hydraulic tensioner is in. The hydraulic tensioner was also a pita to reinstall

[@adnansgarage]

This is the best video i have seen so far on youtube. No short cuts, no hidden stuff. With torque specs Salute

[@MrManthalete]

You guys have been incredibly helpful and exactly what I’ve needed! I recently bought a MkIV Golf and have been learning to do a lot of maintenance myself, and I couldn’t do it without you guys

[@fcpeuro]

Welcome to the club Trevor! Excellent choice with the MKIV! One of our favorites in house.

[@CliffjumperCars]

Just one note, on the accessory belt tensioner, when you're reinstalling the belt, you can slide a pin in that to hold it open while you're installing the new belt and aligning it, so you're not sitting there trying to hold tension on it with a tool while trying to work with the belt at the same time. Excellent video. Thanks!

[@josefrausto60]

Huge thanks man if it wasn't for this video being clear and detailed i wouldn't have had the confidence to do the job myself💪🙏

[@fcpeuro]

Glad we could be of some help!

[@benjones1917]

I have a Mk1 Skoda Octavia VRS, which is essentially a MkIV Golf GTI in a pretty dress, and i need to do the cambelt on its 1.8t. Super clear video! Thanks!

[@fcpeuro]

Sounds great!

[@simongibbs2986]

The best video yet. No panicking about removing the engine mount. Just calm, clear, concise instructions on how to do it. Thanks.

[@gordonmerrick697]

Thank you for this video, it was priceless while we replaced the water pump on my son's 2004 1.8L GTI. We watched other videos, but found this one to be the most informative. As new VW owners, we had never heard of FCP Euro, so this was a nice discovery for us also. We saved a ton of money on parts vs the local auto parts store - who never has anything in stock and has to special order everything we need anyway, and then charge us more. In the video, the pump that Jay removes looks brand new. In our case the impeller was in pieces and we could have used some advice on what to do in that case - with plastic bits circulating in your engine - in the end, we just re-assembled and are hoping for the best. Would love to see a camera view of a look inside the block. If not a probe snaking into the engine:o) then just a glimpse inside. For example, when you remove the pump, you can see the thermostat just inside. I'm wondering if there's anything worth noting when you look at that. Also, we struggled a bit when trying to get the plastic timing belt cover back on. I get a kick out of the other videos that just end with "now just reassemble everything in the reverse order". Not the case here - we could have used a separate video on just how to re-install a timing cover. Also, the lower timing belt cover had been bent at some point so we struggled a bit trying to re-install that (though not sure any video would help solve stupid). We appreciated the rest of the step-by-step reassembly instructions that Jay provided, complete with torque specs.

[@isaacscopes235]

Did this video successfully work for you ? i’m about to do it this week and any tips you have or anything i’ll very much appreciate

[@paulrockwood371]

​@isaacscopes235 how'd it go? I'm halfway through disassembly. Gonna go slow and steady on this job.

[@RaveGreenHornet]

This video was a trip down memory lane. I remember replacing the timing belt on my Mk4 GTI and Beetle back in the day. Good times. Very informative video as always FCP Euro - thanks!

[@zaratrusta79]

any idea where I could find a good tutorial on a similar service for the MK4 TDI?

[@seanlyons161]

32:12 the white marks come out of alignment when you spin the engine 2 times. I'm new and don't understand and I would panic at this point. Do the white marks come out of alignment at this point?

[@joetrippi8591]

I love how you used color coordination for those confusing hoses. I am absolutely using this video as a guideline so when I do my GTI.

[@Justablokeonaboat]

The best guide I’ve seen for these engines. Thank you. 👍

[@fcpeuro]

We are happy you liked it! We know any timing related job can seem daunting and we are here to help any way that we can!

[@joserivera7694]

Wow gave me confidence to do my water pump and timing very detail thank you..

[@noel5ilv3rlake]

Thank you for all the torque spec tips I just really needed, sure I will purchase all parts from FCP euro next time soon Cheers

[@fcpeuro]

Glad it helped!

[@packnhike]

Thanks and i bought the 300$ kit from you guys. Started today

[@Alexander_l322]

That’s so expensive.

[@mrmcgraw3706]

Just got my first GTI. Couldn’t be happier. Edit. Lupo GTI

[@ryansavage3675]

This video saved my Jetta. I had a Magic Man help me wiggle the engine mount out through the back of the engine and out the underside, otherwise the son and I would still be out in the shop cussing up a storm and throwing things. LoL Definitely would like to see just how you got that thing out passed the AC lines.

[@skinleeproductions]

Really really easy to follow video! Well impressed fella 👍🏻

[@SilverDanification]

Fantastic How Too video! I will be following along when I do the waterpump and cambelt, hopefully in the next couple of weeks!

[@Eryionification]

Could you guys do a video regarding the common Timing Chain Cam Tensioner job sometime? Love the videos!

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

Just did that and it’s a pain but not hard. Solved a lot of leaking oil in my case - I’d wager because no one bothers replacing it because it’s annoying to get in and out. Cheers!

[@b3passat19]

Just wondering why the two white marks on the timing belt doesn’t match up with the cam gear after spinning the engine over.

[@MrSagerific95]

On a four stroke engine, then engine needs to be rotated 4 times to make the marks line up again. 4 turns of the crank equals 1 full revolution of the engine.

[@SKindianSpringfield]

great informative video but at 36:46 min mark did belt slip from white marks????

[@mk4gli389]

Kinda late but the marks will deviate from what was marked on the belt as the motor runs. Every certain number of rotations ( I can’t remember exactly how many it is) the marks will line up again.

[@tuai2]

Good video. I hope you make more videos on mk4s because there are a heck lot of these cars still out there. We're sick of getting ripped off at mechanic shops so rather do it myself. More on the mk4s 👍

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

💯🤙🏽

[@taaayll]

Yes, I am also a huge fan of the Mk4 video series!

[@brickcity9mm896]

Just did up my 04 gti mk4 with no hitch somewhat like hitting up my side chick in and out with no problems 😮👍

[@AE-cc4sd]

Great job!!! Thank you for sharing

[@nick9463]

Thank you for the very good and informative video,

[@ryansigley3172]

This was so help full thank you so much for making these videos you have saved me so much money by me doing it myself 😁😁 100 out of 10 👏🏼🙌🏼👌🏼

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to be of help; thanks for watching Ryan!

[@chrisschaffer4745]

I just about finished up my timing belt replacement. DO NOT try to take the engine mount bracket out from the top. If you take the rubber hose off from the back side of the engine with the aluminum flat pipe, the bracket practically falls out the bottom. WAY easier!

[@fcpeuro]

Great note, Chris!

[@terrymarsh8094]

Man I really appreciate this post I’m about to get one of those cars!

[@davidclarke7656]

Great guide thanks! Question though - at 37:05 marks on the belt are off?

[@LaMuseAuto]

Same question... Are they supposed to line up exactly after turning it over twice??

[@suj1945]

The marks on the belt will no longer line up after 2 revolutions, they're mostly just there as a backup for belt installation. The main thing is the factory timing marks line up.

[@lonkyboi_]

Curious what bolts need to be replaced during this? I know some are stretch bolts and I don’t want to start without gathering the replacement bolts!

[@aminehaddouche4082]

Thank you you saved me and my bank account

[@fcpeuro]

💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰

[@taaayll]

At 14:03, those are 6mm, not 7mm. Love you guys!

[@fcpeuro]

💙💯

[@SteveBlues87]

I honestly dunno how you got that bolt out for the timing belt tensioner. I've snapped a hex bit and called it a night lol.

[@juancarlospadilla4360]

Thanks bro! Great video!

[@nathanketonifah9255]

Great job bro 👏👏👏👏👏🎉

[@shaggy9136]

Brilliant video 👍

[@fcpeuro]

Wasn't Me!

[@QkjajshsjajaCcccc]

Those bots always are in the comment section of euro diy vids. Lmao. We are men of taste.

[@vidarsjogren]

Really great video. Looking to replace the timing belt on my '99 A3 this weekend. Is there anything that differs? I know that the Golf and A3 are really similar.

[@jguide468]

Great video and thanks 🤩👍

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for watching!

[@gennyrodriguez3055]

How do you keep the cam gear from slipping or shifting?

[@amcrae1]

Nice work!!! Thanks!

[@gagevanhemert7193]

Can someone explain why the timing marks in the video don’t line up after he spins the engine over? It’s @32:48

[@mk4gli389]

Kinda late but the marks will deviate from what was marked on the belt as the motor runs. Every certain number of rotations ( I can’t remember exactly how many it is) the marks will line up again.

[@gagevanhemert7193]

@@mk4gli389 I was doing my timing belt as i was watching this, so i got scared that i jumped a tooth or something lol.

[@mk4gli389]

@@gagevanhemert7193 haha I’m actually in the process of tearing everything down to do timing/water pump as well. Gave the video a watch as a refresher, this fucking motor mount bracket will be the death of me.

[@gagevanhemert7193]

@@mk4gli389 Bro that motor mount bracket is something else lmao, It constantly got in the way.

[@mk4gli389]

@@gagevanhemert7193 I spent probably 45 minutes trying to finagle it out. I gave up and am just going to try and work around it because I cannot manage to get it out lmao. Plus I feel like it’ll be even worse trying to get it back in so hopefully it works out. Parts should be delivered tomorrow so we’ll see haha.

[@sol-hb8zg]

Should you replace the engine mount bolts when doing this?

[@aldelgado9343]

You guys aré good, ive learned a lot, i got one of those cars

[@SunRunner-TVchannel]

Super the best. Thanks 👍

[@hyper8545]

Nice walk through

[@ricardopiscina]

Can you guys show a DIY on the real correct way to time the cams with the chain, from beginning to end thanks

[@tonynelson8082]

I got a new hydraulic tension put it on and now the engine mount bracket doesn’t fit bc of the tensioner you have any advice??

[@CjMk4GLi]

Hey there FCP EURO im gonna be doing the water pump an timing chain on my mk4 gli. This is the very first time ill be doing a timing chain. I seen that the belt moved over a couple groves from the white marks. Why did they moved?

[@hollow34]

The pulleys rotate at different RPM but every 4th rotation of the bottom I think they are in time.

[@CjMk4GLi]

@@hollow34 would you recommend me rotating the pulleys until they align again? Haven’t done the timing yet.

[@hollow34]

@@CjMk4GLi you'll see what I mean when you do it. I've messed up by not marking bottom belt on the pulley. Now I can't figure out the correct tension. Argh

[@andrewmartinez1667]

The timing marks on the belt moved after you turned the engine over which should be normal right?

[@tsgdrako5444]

Does anyone know what size the bolts are for the hydraulic tensioner? I lost both

[@DatCarKid]

What happens if u do all the spin it over and they don’t line up what do u do

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Bobby, you will want to remove the belt and line everything back up and try again!

[@buddytom867]

Hi 👋 changed the Timing belt on a golf 2003 about 4 years ago using a genuine vw kit my question is the car as only none about 2000 miles since the change it’s been off the rd due to the pandemic even thou it’s not done the mileage would it be wise to still change the belt and water pump also the water pump was also changed 4 years ago vw recommend 4 years or mileage regardless the belt still looks new but I’m not sure what to do

[@deucecoupe1423]

Im a little confused. Your timing marks on the belt dont line up after you hand cranked it over

[@ivanlopez6669]

Hi i did the job on my 1.8t did everything step by step put everything back in place but now the car cranks but won start 😞

[@hollow34]

Double check your timing I reckon

[@DIA-qm5zt]

Excellent video tutorial, Jay. Plan to use your video as a guide when I replace the belts & coolant pump on my Mk4 Jetta (2.0L, AVH engine) tomorrow. I noticed that you torque the 18mm engine mount bolt to 100 Nm -- much higher than the 60 Nm specd in the repair manual. Is the 100 Nm an updated spec or an error?

[@DIA-qm5zt]

Just a guess: the difference may be to compensate for the "plus 1/4 turn" specd in the repair manual? [16mm bolt spec in the manual is 40 Nm "plus 1/4 turn"]

[@zaratrusta79]

I would love to see a similar quality tutorial on the Golf mk4 1.9TDI timing belt/wp replacement... anyone?

[@NeuroPulse]

Everybody loves ALH!

[@jaxon.frandrup]

i wish there was a video like this around for the BEW TDI

[@fcpeuro]

We will be sure to add that video to our DIY Que!

[@jaxon.frandrup]

@@fcpeuro that would be awesome!🙌 tdi lives matter too😅

[@rzorNvme]

Did that myself a long time ago. 🤣 biggest issue was the timing belt tensioner.

[@GasInMyVeins20AE]

This is great. I've done this job several times on a few 1.8Ts and still picked up a few new things. The metal vs. plastic pump is still a big debate in the Mk4 world, with some pretty knowledgeable people insisting the plastic is better (something about the metal reacting with the coolant). Any thoughts on the debate?

[@adamkorekach9936]

Metal is better hands down. Who cares if the metal reacts with the coolant? Better than having rogue plastic pieces swimming through the cooling system!

[@gordonmerrick697]

@@adamkorekach9936 - Exactly what we just experienced! When we pulled the pump we found two halves of the plastic impeller lying just inside the block, but when we put the halves together, it was clear that two small pieces were missing, one maybe as large as 1cm squared. No idea where it is, but clearly large enough to block a hose somewhere. All we can do is hope it wasn't one large piece, but a few smaller ones.

[@77777kyle]

Hey can you do a video on timing belt, tensioners, water pump on a 2015 jetta tdi? Id love to buy your kit and do it myself but I need a video to follow along because I’ve never done it before

[@fcpeuro]

We just filmed one recently, currently baking in the oven!

[@77777kyle]

Well when you upload it please notify me!

[@RedondoBeach2]

Do you have a video on the same job (timing chain, tensioners, guides, coolant system, etc) for a MKIV GTI VR6 2.8L BDF engine?

[@fcpeuro]

Not at this time, but we will be sure to add it to our DIY Que!

[@DopeTDI]

TDI Next!

[@vionnawamong1577]

Thanks

[@fcpeuro]

Anytime, Vionna.

[@murphystreeter]

If you cut that stand off the water pump (for the unnecessary timing cover bolt) the engine mount will go back in frome the bottom without a struggle.

[@wades623]

if you made sure it was the same part there shouldn't be an issue and you most likely put it on wrong

[@murphystreeter]

OE part and it is definitely a problem when you're removing the engine mount.

[@elderoo8483]

@@murphystreeter I’m having real difficulty getting the motor mount back in, does this really work? Getting it in from the bottom?

[@murphystreeter]

Raise/lower the motor. As long as that standoff has been ground flush the mount will fit. Gotta have the angle of the engine just right.

[@MediaEasier]

sorry for sounding stupid but what is the purpose of mrking the new belt?

[@dumbeezy5480]

u watch the video

[@abdulkaderalriyashi9436]

Good question, I honestly don’t see any use of markings, unless the same belt was reused.

[@wades623]

it's to make it easier to get the new belt in the right spot. it is kind of a pain in the ass if you don't because you don't know if it is a tooth off because of the slack while putting it on

[@hollow34]

To ensure the new belt is tensioned up correctly.

[@woozbeast]

Why is it important to disconnect the battery before working on the timing belt?

[@omarjason1255]

It's the first thing that a real mechanic learned!

[@hollow34]

Think of an airplane engine starting from a crank handle, it's unluckily but it's possible the engine could start cranking it.

[@audi4468]

Hello. Audi a3 8l 1.8 belt change 60.000km?

[@dynamo4543]

the 1.8 engines suck if your belt snaps while driving because you are screwed because of it being an interference engine,the 2.0 thou is a non interference so youre not screwed if your belt snaps whole driving

[@dumbeezy5480]

That logic is dumb. They snap on any engine. This is why you replace them every 80k or so.

[@alexanderstefanxandraswedi5835]

Great

[@lucasc2945]

I cannot get the engine bracket out no matter where I move the engine. I could maybe detach the other side but for now I will attempt to just work around it. 🤷‍♂️

[@hollow34]

I ended up pushing it to the side towards the fire wall, after I removed the belt it fell straight out

[@AcesK9AGA]

Can I drop my 01 Audi TT off to you for a timing belt and water pump replacement?

[@reecedorwin3500]

honestly I forgot to put the bracket outside of the serpentine belt tensioner, if your belt squeaks after that could be a reason why.

[@legambaz]

So our Master Volvo Tech no longer work on Volvo?

[@lukecowell7516]

My lower crank bolt is a 19mm not 21

[@hollow34]

I could swear mine was 20, now I guess I'll try 19

[@billsixx]

Why in the world didn't the Strudel-Eating Ckskrs use a timing chain instead of a cheesy belt? They used a chain to couple the two overhead camshafts on the other end of the engine. German-Engineering....No wonder they lost the friggin war.

[@sambarrett9729]

I really don’t see the point in marking the timing belt? Specially if you’re replacing new timing parts.

[@ISSFWIA]

And after 10 minutes removing the coolant bubble we can get started..

[@Soccertricksta1014]

Warranty would pay 1.3 hrs this job 😂

[@Ifixstuf]

I want to do this, but man I'm scared lol

[@loganoler6017]

What size are the water pump and motor mount bolts that were changed?