Hi all,

The drive belt tensioner on my Polo 9N needs replacing and I'm hoping someone can tell me how tough a job this is? Also what might have caused it to fail and what else, if anything, needs to be checked or replaced?

Background: changed the alternator drive belt a couple of months ago after it went. Only done a few hunded miles since then and the new belt has started to split (it's effectively now a 5pk belt instead of 6pk) and the tensioner pulley is sitting at a funny angle with the belt nearly slipped off.

I tried to reposition the belt, levering the tensioner forward to do this a few times, also it did not spring back fully, then I noticed a fracture running right across the tensioner casting. Not sure what's happened here, whether it was cracked already and that caused the new belt to sit funny or if I could have broken it with brute force say if it was seized.

ECP have a replacement at £40. I might be willing to give it a go but I'm guessing it's a royal pain to swap out with restricted access. Has anyone here attempted this, what does it involve?

I have searched but without luck so any pointers gratefully received.

Spec.: Polo 2003 9N, ASY, 1.9 SDI, A/C.

Bump with photo.

For some reason I can't post a pic of the new part - "You are not allowed to use that image extension on this community".

Anyway, it takes a bolt from the reverse side and I can't immediately see how to acheive that. Do the alternator and/or A/C compressor need to be removed to provide access? My Google fooey is failing me on this one.

Edited 21 January, 201412 yr by jumbojim

I know it's a different car but perhaps you two could help each other out: http://www.clubpolo.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=328166&hl=

Anyway it doesn't look happy. Have you got breakdown cover driving it like that?

Simon

I've dropped a clanger and put the reply on the above link, so if you have a look at the link, you should see what I have put in there.

Regards.

The broken pulley.

The hidden bolt head.

Needs a 13mm socket with 75mm extension.

Old pulley removed. Don't push the bolt through or you might lose it.

Replacement pulley from AP Motors on Amazon (£11.75 inc P&P !!)

It was a squeeze to fit the new pulley. Engine block needed teasing half an inch to one side.

New pulley fitted. Pin still in place makes it easy to fit the belt.

New belt fitted. Pin removed. Job done. 8)

Hoping this belt lasts longer than the previous one!

Edited 25 January, 201412 yr by jumbojim

Nice job! Hope it works out for you.