Checking the condition of the poly V-belt (VW Golf 4)

The tension of the poly V-belt with ribs is performed automatically. It is necessary to periodically check the condition of the belt, and if defects are found, replace the belt.

1. Place the gear shift lever in neutral position.

2. Raise the vehicle and secure it on stands.



3. Remove the lower right side of the engine splash shield (indicated by the arrow).



4. Use chalk to make a mark (1) on the belt. Using the pulley mounting bolt (arrow), turn the crankshaft clockwise until the mark appears, while visually checking the condition of the belt.

5. The poly V-belt may have defects (see below). If any of the defects are present, replace the belt.

6. Install the lower right engine splash guard.

Defects

Traces of oil and grease.



Hardening of rib edges, glassy edges.

Presence of dirt and stones between the ribs.

Rubber build-up at the base of the ribs.



Wear of the rib edges. This may be due to the fact that the ribs (B) fall on the pulley projections during rotation, while the belt ribs have a trapezoid shape. The stretching phase is visually noticeable at the base of the ribs (C), especially in the light area.



Transverse cracks (D) on the back side of the belt.

Detachment of individual ribs (E).



Fraying of the end edges (F) of the belt.


Detachment of the lateral ribs (G).

Transverse cracks in some ribs (H).



Destruction of individual ribs (J).

Cracks in some ribs (K).