replacing '96 jetta timing belt

[vdubclub13]

can anybody tell me if you need to set your engine at top zero to changethe timing belt, or do i just take off the old on and slip on the new one? any other pointers would be helpful as well, thanks.

[vdubclub13]

Originally Posted by vdubclub13

can anybody tell me if you need to set your engine at top zero to changethe timing belt, or do i just take off the old on and slip on the new one? any other pointers would be helpful as well, thanks.

I also need to know if i need to take my crank pulley off...? I have both accessory belts and the power steering and water pump pulley's off, and i dont know where to go from there...i also have the timing belt casing off....what do i do?

[mlb81]

You might have to remove the damper - I didn't. I simply broke the timing belt cover on one side of the damper and bent it around to get it on/off. If the old belt is still on/attached I'd reccommend setting the engine to TDC and look real closely at the position of all the pulleys. Pay special attention to the cam sprocket. It should line up with a mark on the block. Also note where the dist. rotor is pointing. If you rotate any of the key players it will give you a headache lining them back up correctly. Also get a pair of 90* needle nose pliers a.k.a snap ring pliers to keep tension on the timing belt tensioner (replace with new belt!). There's some good info out there if you search. Good luck.