My Haynes manual says for 6N1 Polos there are two types of auxiliary belt tensioning mechanisms used depending on the exact model. One method is by a tensioning roller the other is by the alternator being spring loaded. I'm going to change my aux belt in the summer and would like to know if possible which method applies to my specific car before I start the job. My car doesn't have aircon. Does anyone know which tensioning method applies to 1.4 AEX engines with no aircon fitted?

With no A/C or PAS it will (should) be the alternator to tension the belt, if you look at the belt it will just go around the crankshaft pulley and straight to the alternator pulley

With no A/C or PAS it will (should) be the alternator to tension the belt, if you look at the belt it will just go around the crankshaft pulley and straight to the alternator pulley

Hi, thanks for a quick response, however I do have power steering. Does that make a difference as to which tensioning methodology is fitted?

OK in that case you will have a separate tensioner roller unit

Thanks very much for clarifying that and for posting the diagram. I knew it was going to be one or the other but wasn't sure which. Am I correct in thinking the logic is that when a simple belt arrangement is present - i.e. no PAS or aircon it's the spring mounted lower alternator mounting tensioning arrangement but, if a car has aircon or PAS or both, then the more sophistcated tensioner roller mechanism is fitted to cope with that situation and the more convoluted belt path it inevitably entails? Is my logic correct?

With No PAS or AC the alternator bolts direct to the engine

With PAS it uses this bracket assembly to mount the Alternator & PAS pump


With PAS & AC it uses this bracket assembly to mount the Alternator, PAS pump & AC compressor


The tensioner unit can be replaced as a separate item

Thanks again for the extra diagrams and clarification - I wasn't aware of the different brackets arrangement depending on the specific options fitted to the car. It's quite a neat solution to coping with the different belt configurations that can exist and your posting will hopefully help other club members who might be wondering how things work. I've been doing some research as to which replacement belt I need as there appears to be several different belt lengths depending on whether no PAS or aircon is fitted, aircon only, PAS only or PAS and aircon. Since I have PAS but no aircon I think I need either a 1063mm or 1070mm 6 peak belt. I'll check with my local branch of GSF in Nottingham to be sure.

030145933T ribbed v-belt / for models with power steering 21,18X1070MM / AEA,AER,AEV, ADX,AEX,AKV, AFH,AFK,AHW, AEE,AHS,ALL, ALD,ANV,ANX, APQ,AKQ,ANM

Once again I am very grateful for your extensive knowledge. Thanks very much indeed. Incidentally, an eBay seller of auxiliary belts said I needed a 1063mm belt but I treat what you have said with far more credibility. A 1070mm belt it is then. Amazingly the original belt (I bought the car at 4 years old in 2000) has done 88,000 miles but was looking a little cracked when I was under the car replacing power steering pipes a while back.

That info was taken from the VW parts listing on www.vagcat.com it's a free to use site, you just need to register first, again free to register

That info was taken from the VW parts listing on www.vagcat.com it's a free to use site, you just need to register first, again free to register

Thanks for letting me know about that - I will go and register. I have my Haynes manual of course but it's nice to have these additional resources available to consult. I'm so glad I asked my question on here and I'm so grateful that knowledgable people such as yourselves take the time to help.