How to Change a Fan Belt on an Aircooled VW (Volkswagen) Beetle

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Proper fan belt tension is vital, since any belt slipping reduces the amount of cooling air that is supplied by the fan to the engine.

Steps

1. 1
   Check the fan belt:

   
   

   • With the engine off, open the rear hood and locate the drivebelt at the rear of the engine.
     • Check the belt for separation of the adhesive rubber on both sides of the core, core separation from the belt side, and/or severed core.
     • Check for fraying and glazing, which gives the belt a shiny appearance.
   • To check the belt tension, with your thumb push in on the belt midway between the pulleys and measure the deflection with a ruler.
     • The deflection should be about 5/8-inch.
     • If the tension is more or less than this, it must be adjusted to bring the tension into specification.
2. 2
   Adjust the fan belt tension:
   • To adjust the belt tension, you must first remove the pulley nut. The front half of the alternator pulley (front is front) has some cut-out slots in it. Insert your big screw driver into one of these slots to hold the pulley stationary while using your 19mm or 21mm wrench to loosen the pulley retaining nut.
   • Remove the pulley nut, and the metal bell-looking thing, and any shims. Remove all that stuff and then remove the rear (rear is rear) pulley half.
   • Belt tension is adjusted by inserting or removing shims between the pulley halves. Install the belt, and add or remove shims as needed, the outer pulley half, spare shims, bell-shaped washer, and retaining nut.
     • Remember to keep 10 shims total. If one shim is between the pulley halves, nine will need to be under the bell-shaped washer.
   • Stop the pulley from turning with the large screwdriver as described above and tighten the nut securely.
3. 3
   Replacing the fan belt:
   • Follow the procedures above for the fan belt adjustment, but slip the belt off the crankshaft pulley and remove it.
   • Install all 10 shims between the pulley halves as a starting point, and place the belt into position while installing the other half of the pulley. Install the the bell shaped spacer, stop the pulley from turning with the large screwdriver as described above and tighten the nut securely.
   • Follow the procedures above to check and adjust the belt.

   
   

Video

Tips

• Remember:
• Adding shims decreases belt tension.
• Subtracting shims increases belt tension.

Warnings

• You must have at least 10 shims!
• Safety should always be your #1 focus when working on a vehicle. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in this world is so important, that you should EVER practice unsafe maintenance on your vehicles. Always use the proper tools for the job at hand. Common sense is a VERY IMPORTANT. I try to ensure the pages I add are error-free; however, I am human and make mistakes.
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