Ribbed Belt, Checking

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION:

Always replace the ribbed belt if it is faulty. This can help prevent failures and malfunctions.

Procedure

-- Turn the engine by the vibration damper/belt pulley using a wrench.

-- Check the ribbed belt for:

Cracks in the underside (surface cracks, fragmenting, cross-section breaks)
Layer separation (outer layer, tension cords)
Wear-through on the underside
Fraying of tension cords
Edge wear (material wear, frayed edges, hardened edges -glazed edges-, surface cracks)
Oil and grease traces