Alternator/serpentine belt - how to change?

[dogtired]

:confused: Merry Christmas! The alternator belt on my 04 A2 1.6fsi needs replacing (some cracks showing) after approx 40K miles. Can anyone tell me how to do this? i.e How do you release the tension? Thanks

[spike]

Hi dogtired
It's tricky but just possible with the right tools to wind the tensioner back and lock it in place while removing the belt. If your going to replace the original belt (not in your case) mark the direction of rotation so it goes back the same way.
I use a short ring key (16mm I think) Locate this on the bolt head on the pulley end of the tensioner and use a long ring key over the shank of the small one to apply leverage. Wind it back against the spring and lock it in place with a 5mm rod. (a drill bit shank may be ok) There is a hole in the boss on top of the tensioner body and a corresponding hole in the backplate for this purpose. Make sure both holes are free of burrs before starting.
A socket and long bar would make the job much easier but there is not enough room for this with my 1/2" drive set
Be prepared to shed blood if the spanner slips

Cheers Spike

[dogtired]

Thanks Spike
Followed your instructions...took less than 5 minutes to change without any blood loss. The old belt was definitely past its best! If anyone else is going to change the belt i found the job easy with the car on ramps and with undertray removed. i then worked from underneath the car. I simply used a 16mm ring spanner as Spike says but i didnt need to "lock" the pulley...i simply used my free hand to take off / replace the belt. :)