Ribbed belt, checking condition

Special tools required

• Socket

• Remove lower front right engine compartment cover -arrow-.
Fig 1: Removing Lower Front Right Engine Compartment Cover
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC.
• Turn engine at vibration damper/belt pulley -arrow- using a socket.
Fig 2: Turning Engine At Vibration Damper/Belt Pulley
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC.
• Raise vehicle and check belt -1- from below for:
  • Sub-surface cracks (cracks, core ruptures, cross sectional breaks)
  • Layer separation (top layer, cord strands)
  • Base break-up
  • Fraying of cord strands
  • Flank wear (material wear, frayed flanks, flank brittleness -glassy flanks-, surface cracks)
  • Traces of oil and grease
    NOTE: To avoid possible break-downs or operating problems it is essential to replace ribbed belt if it is faulty.