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Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles

Replacing Timing Belt with Water Pump

Model: Volkswagen Passat 3BG, B5 - Years 1996-2005
Part: Timing belt

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery and move the cable away. Lift the vehicle on a ramp, open the bonnet, and unscrew the retaining screws of the bumper. Lower the vehicle and remove the grille, bumper, and light assembly, placing them in the 'maintenance' position. Remove the upper engine cover. Remove the cooling fan and loosen the tensioner to remove the auxiliary belt. Loosen the tensioner bolt of the alternator and remove the belt. Remove the auxiliary belt tensioner and the alternator tensioner. Remove the crankshaft pulley cover. Remove the upper timing cover. Remove the bolts from the crankshaft pulley and take it off. Remove the lower timing cover. Rotate the crankshaft until the mark aligns at the top dead centre of the first cylinder and check the references on the camshaft pulley. Lock the camshaft and crankshaft with the appropriate tool. The references on the shaft must be aligned. Loosen the tensioner, remove the pulley, and gently take off the belt. Remove the water pump, placing a container under the engine to catch the fluid that will come out. Clean the pump seat and the cooling circuit thoroughly. Loosen the nuts on the camshaft pulley so that the bolts are centred in the slots and tighten them slightly. Fit the new water pump, ensuring the gasket is correct. Tighten the nuts with a torque wrench. Install the new tensioner with the pin mounted and inserted into the engine hole. Rotate the adjustment indicator clockwise as far as possible, then lightly tighten the nut. Refit the new timing belt and install the new pulley. Rotate the tensioner indicator counterclockwise until you can remove the pin. Rotate the tensioner until the indicator aligns with the reference mark and tighten the nut. Tighten the bolts on the camshaft pulley and remove the various retainers. Run the engine for two turns to check for proper operation and check the tensioner. Refit all other parts.

Updated on 2 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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