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GTI VR6 Tensioner Pulley Replacement

The bearings in the tensioner pulley can wear, squeak, squeal and eventually go bad causing the serpentine belt to break. The guide describes changing the tensioner pulley.

Tools and Parts required:

  • 13mm socket
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • M8-1.25-80 bolt
  • New pulley
StepDescriptionPhoto
1. Locate the airbox (passenger side of car). Use the phillips screwdriver to unscrew the hose clamp indicated by the yellow arrow. Gently pull the hose off. Unplug the wire connector from the MAF (mass airflow sensor) indicated by the green arrow.
2. Unclasp the MAF from the airbox. Use your fingers to unhook the two clamps pointed at by the blue arrows.
3. Unclasp the top of the airbox. Use your fingers to unhook the two clamps pointed at by the red arrows. You should now be able to wiggle the MAF out of the airbox. Wiggle the top of the airbox off and separate from the bottom.
4. Remove the lower half of the airbox. There are two rubber bands holding the airbox down. Find the rubber bands pointed to by the red arrows and remove. Lift lower half of airbox out.
5. Locate the serpentine belt tensioner. Use a M8-80 (8mm by 80mm long) hex bolt to remove tension. Thread bolt into hole at green arrow. Tighten until tension is released and you can remove the serpentine belt. Don't overtighten.
6. Remove serpentine belt from the tensioner pulley.
7. Remove tensioner from engine block. Use a 13mm socket to remove the three bolts. Remove tensioner.
8. Picture with tensioner removed.
9. Unbolt the pulley from the tensioner. It is *reverse thread*, so be sure to twist bolt clockwise to loosen.
10. Install new pulley. Bolt tensioner back onto engine block. Put serpentine belt back on the tensioner pulley. Release the tensioner tension. Reinstall air box. Done!