How to Replace Serpentine Belt Tensioner 05-14 Volkswagen Jetta

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 40 min · Volkswagen Jetta

Replace the serpentine belt tensioner and AC compressor belt on a 2005-2014 Volkswagen Jetta.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the lug bolt covers with a pick, loosen one bolt with the key by the spare tire, loosen the 17mm lug bolts with the car on the ground, raise and support it, then remove the lug nuts and wheel.

2. Remove the AC compressor belt

   Remove the T25 screws along the splash shield and inner fender and take the fender off, fit a 15mm socket onto the tensioner, pull it back, pull the belt off its pulley, then release the tensioner.

3. Remove the old lower tensioner

   Remove its 15mm bolt and the pulley, then insert an M10 12-point bit to remove the tensioner's bolt.

4. Install the new lower tensioner

   Insert it into place, tighten the M10 bolt, insert the pulley, then tighten its 15mm bolt.

5. Reinstall the AC compressor belt

   Fit the ratchet onto the larger tensioner, place the belt on it, pull the tensioner back, pull the belt onto its pulley, release the tensioner, then refit the inner fender and its T25 screws.

6. Reattach the wheel

   Slide the wheel on, start the lug bolts by hand, lower the car, torque the lug bolts to about 100 ft-lb in a star pattern, then tighten the lug bolt covers.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.