1998 Golf 1.6 petrol (AKL) - How to Change Timing Belt

[jo101010]

Hi, just need a quick pointer to some technical detail on how do this (I'm new to VW). Had a quick look around the forum and couldn't find anything. I need to change camshaft position sensor so I'm thinking basic steps are:
- top timing cover off
- driver side wheel off/ engine mount off / bottom timing cover off
- cam sprocket off - and re-fit in reverse.

But what I'm missing are the basic technical details I need re timing marks, setting belt tension, and tightening torque for the cam sprocket - any pointers gratefully received! Thanks Joe

Also, can I check the socket size for the crank bolt - presumably 19mm 12 point?

[Rob69]

Have a look at these manual pages, I think this is covering the AKL, not sure you'll need to remove the centre crank bolt if it has the damper held on with the 4 socket head bolts, you should be able to block up the engine from underneath if you don't have a support bar to get the mount off. tensioning roller has indicator on it to get correct tension, you'll need two pin wrench. You'll need locking bar and possibly a puller if you're taking the cam sprocket off.
Removing

[jo101010]

Thanks very much for that Rob good point re the crank damper, I'll have a look at the car later, but all that should be enough to get me going on it. The manual pages look good, I looked at that site earlier but couldn't work out the navigation around the pages! Thanks again, Joe

[saintkamy]

Hi mates,

Can you please look at my timing belt picture, I bought 2002 golf 1.6 but have no idea that timing belt was done or not.
Still can see marking very clearly.

20171005_233849.jpg - Google Drive

Thanks in advance to all.

[jo101010]

Hi, you can't tell by looking at that side of the belt - you need to examine the belt surface that rides against the gears for cracking. However, if you don't see cracking all that means is that the belt is not really old - its impossible to tell how recent the belt really is. To be safe replace it...

[saintkamy]

Thanks for your reply jo
Well that is wat I try to figure out. Car is 150k
N service book haven't got nothing about tooth belt till 90k n year 2015 with 1st owner. 2nd owner from whom I bought it did service which I see on windsheild sticker but not mention in book.
So if it was done even on 90k still looks some time to do it.

[saintkamy]

Thanks for your reply jo
Well that is wat I try to figure out. Car is 150k
N service book haven't got nothing about tooth belt till 90k n year 2015 with 1st owner. 2nd owner from whom I bought it did service which I see on windsheild sticker but not mention in book.
So if it was done even on 90k still looks some time to do it.

But one silly thing i did was while opening upper cover plastic edge of it got broke n it slide on belt towards downside. N now got no idea where it is.
It dropped on top of belt's outer side so guess not going in tooth.