How much does a Volkswagen Polo timing belt cost? When to change the timing chain and belt on a Volkswagen Polo

Timing drive chain or belt? Polo A04 TREND model BUD542656 with a 1.4 liter manual engine. During engine diagnostics at the service center of German House LLC, before purchasing it with a mileage of 84 thousand km, the following recommendations were prescribed: 1. TIMING BELT - replacement. 2. Drive belt tension roller - replacement. 3. Steering ends and tie rods - replacement. In words they said that you can travel for now, but in the spring you will definitely come to us :-) I read the forums and began to doubt: was there a scam in this German house? Before my purchase, the car was used by one owner - a girl. It didn't drive aggressively. They write on the forums that the Spanish-assembled POLO 4 is a very reliable car and replacing the CHAIN, and not the timing belt, may be necessary after 150, or even 200 thousand miles. THANK YOU in advance for your objective and expert answer!

10 answers

    Hello dear!
    Please write the VIN number of your car.

    Balakovo, Kia Ceed

    WVWZZZ9NZ9YO25930

    *This user's answer is not expert

    Good afternoon. Your car has an engine that is driven by a timing belt, not a chain. At this mileage, recommending its replacement is absolutely appropriate. I would even recommend doing this at least every 80 thousand km. Steering ends and linkages can only be checked by suspension diagnostics at another service center if in doubt. There are practically no external signs of belt replacement. Microcracks are not visible to the eye, and the belt is changed according to time criteria or mileage. As I already wrote, stick to the interval every 80 thousand km (under heavy loads, every 60 thousand km) or once every five years.

    THANK YOU. I would also like to understand the nature of the engine starting and operation: what are the signs?

    Nizhny Novgorod, Volkswagen Polo

    Your engine has a timing belt. At the slightest wear (scuffs, cracks, fraying) it needs to be changed, as well as according to the mileage (every 90,000 km, when used in difficult conditions, change it more often). The engine will start normally, you need to check it by appearance. The belt rollers also need to be changed; the second diagram shows a replacement kit. Steering ends and rods are checked after the fact; if there is play, then change them. As a rule, after purchase you need to change (do not trust the seller) all fluids (oils) and the timing belt. Also check the brake pads and discs, chassis, and steering.

    Balakovo, Kia Ceed

    Thank you very much for your detailed answer.

    Nizhny Novgorod, Volkswagen Polo


FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE OF THE TIMING BELT

Replacing the timing belt is part of the scheduled maintenance of your Volkswagen Polo and plays an important role in the performance of the vehicle's engine. Untimely replacement of the belt can lead to a malfunction of the engine, and a break can lead to deformation of the gas distribution valve and the need for a major engine overhaul.

All parts of the gas distribution mechanism are closely connected to each other; the injection of the air-fuel mixture drives the piston of the engine cylinder, which in turn pushes the crankshaft, connected by a drive belt to the camshaft. Thus, the camshaft moves, which regulates the frequency of valve movement. The Volkswagen Polo timing belt connects the gears and transmits torque from the crankshaft to the camshaft, affecting its rotation speed. If the system is working properly, their speed should be equal.

TYPES OF TIMING BELT FAULTS

  1. Wear of the timing belt leads to a change in the torque transmission force from the crankshaft to the camshaft, resulting in a change in the frequency of movement of the engine pistons and valves. This, in turn, leads to a malfunction of the gas distribution system, rapid heating of the engine and, as a consequence, a decrease in engine power and an increase in consumption of the fuel mixture. For reliable and uninterrupted operation of the engine, it is necessary that the valves close and open at the same frequency as the engine pistons. If the timing belt slips due to wear, it can cause a break.
  2. A broken Volkswagen Polo timing belt is the most dangerous damage to the engine. If such a malfunction occurs, the camshaft ceases to be connected to the crankshaft and can stop completely arbitrarily in a position in which any of the valves of the gas distribution mechanism is open. In this case, the piston, moving upward, may collide with the valve, which will lead to its deformation. In this case, the car engine faces serious repairs. It should be noted that a timing belt break does not occur unexpectedly; it is almost always accompanied by changes in the operation of the car engine, a decrease in its power, a change in gasoline consumption, the appearance of extraneous squeaks, creaks, etc.

To prevent and prevent the operation of the gas distribution mechanism, it is necessary to periodically replace the timing belt; this will save the Volkswagen Polo engine from breakdown, prevent premature engine wear and increase its service life.


CAUSES AND ASSESSMENT OF TIMING BELT WEAR

Timing belt wear occurs for a number of reasons, avoiding which can extend the life of the car engine.

To prevent complete wear of the timing belt, it is necessary to periodically, during a visual inspection of the gas distribution mechanism, check for damage to the surface of the belt. To inspect and evaluate the belt drive, it is necessary to unscrew and remove the protective casing of the mechanism under which the engine is hidden. The first signs of wear are:

  • the appearance of oil and antifreeze smudges capable of chemically destroying the timing belt, with prolonged exposure;
  • the occurrence of longitudinal cracks on the rear surface of the belt;
  • formation of transverse cracks on the inner surface of the drive belt;
  • a torn surface and a broken edge are also signs of wear;
  • Rubber dust on the surface of the part also indicates belt wear;
  • If the timing belt teeth begin to peel off or wear off, the part must be immediately replaced with a new one.

SIGNS OF A FAULTY TIMING BELT

  1. Gasoline consumption by car has increased
  2. Engine power has decreased
  3. A complete stop of the car while moving; when you try to start, the engine does not start, and the starter rotates more easily than usual
  4. Unstable engine operation at idle and while driving;
  5. The occurrence of shots in the injector receiver and exhaust pipe

All these problems may indicate a shift in the valve timing and loosening of the belt tension. If you notice one or more signs from this list on your Volkswagen Polo, immediately contact a service station for an inspection.

HOW OFTEN IS IT NEEDED TO REPLACE THE Volkswagen Polo TIMING BELT

The frequency of replacing any consumables for cars depends on the driving style and operating mode of the car. In case of extreme driving style and aggressive use of the vehicle, it is necessary to replace the timing belt as it wears out and the teeth wear out.

Under normal operating conditions, it is necessary to replace the original timing belt as planned, every 60 - 70,000 km. mileage During this period, it exhausts its resource and becomes unusable. If your Volkswagen Polo has an analog belt, replacement must be done a little earlier than the time recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

WHICH TIMING BELT IS BETTER TO CHOOSE

Modern belts for the gas distribution system are a high-tech product, characterized by increased strength and wear resistance, capable of withstanding high dynamic loads. Timing belts are made from neoprene or polychloroprene with reinforcement with strong cord threads made of fiberglass, nylon and cotton.

  1. To avoid the mistake associated with purchasing a timing belt, contact specialists who will help you, using your car’s WIN code, order a timing belt suitable for your car’s engine. This part is one of the most important in the design of the engine; the slightest deviation in the length, width, shape and size of the teeth can lead to problems with the Volkswagen Polo engine.
  2. Do not try to save money when buying a timing belt; a cheap product may be a low-quality fake that will quickly become unusable and in the future may cause serious engine damage. The best option for any car is original parts; their cost is higher than analogue ones, but when using the car they quickly pay for themselves.
  3. When purchasing a timing belt, check its rigidity; a good belt should be elastic and bend easily. The worse the belt, the stiffer it will be.
  4. The presence of teeth, sagging, or pores on the belt is not allowed - these are signs of a low-quality belt that will quickly become unusable. The surface of the product must be smooth, small burrs are allowed.
  5. When purchasing it yourself, check the timing belt part number printed on the back side; it must correspond to the WIN code of the car. If it is not possible to compare the code of the belt and the car, then it is necessary to make a visual comparison of the old and new belt; they must be completely identical.
  6. To avoid buying counterfeits, try to purchase spare parts only from official, trusted dealers.
  7. Don’t skimp on a qualified timing belt replacement; contact our certified car service center, where competent mechanics will help you repair your Volkswagen Polo. And in the spare parts store you can buy original spare parts for your car.


On VW Polo cars, the timing belt needs to be changed every 75-80 thousand km. It is recommended to check the belt every inspection for bends, abrasions and stretches in order to avoid accidental belt breakage in the middle of the road.

The first symptom of a worn belt is a characteristic knocking sound when the engine is running. Its unstable operation also affects it (low power, stalls, poor response to the accelerator pedal). If the engine stalls and won't start again, it's most likely the timing belt.

Tools

  1. Set of wrenches.
  2. Set of heads.
  3. Ratchet.
  4. Phillips and flathead screwdrivers.
  5. Hammer.
  6. Gloves.

The procedure for replacing a timing belt takes from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the level of training and the availability of the necessary tools. It is recommended to carry out replacement at specialized service centers. Instructions:

  1. Place the car on a viewing hole or lifting box.
  2. Remove the engine protection.
  3. Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
  4. Remove the air intake.
  5. Disconnect the hose of the large branch of the ventilation system. It is located on the engine camshaft housing.
  6. Remove the check valve of the ventilation system hose.
  7. Disconnect the check valve and the crankcase gas system hose.
  8. Press the retaining elements of the hose holder on the oil separator.
  9. Unscrew and remove the two bolts securing the oil separator to the cylinder head.
  10. Remove the pipe from the hole.
  11. Dismantle the auxiliary drive belt.
  12. Remove refrigerant from the air conditioning system.
  13. Press down on the fixing elements of the wiring harness block for turning off the air conditioning compressor.
  14. Disconnect the block after pressing the latch, pulling it towards you.
  15. Unscrew the bolts securing the flanges of the high and low pressure pipelines to the air conditioning compressor housing. Dismantle pipelines. After removing them, you must immediately close the holes with plugs.
  16. Remove the three air conditioning compressor mounting bolts.
  17. Remove the air conditioning compressor of the VW Polo.
  18. Unscrew and remove from the threaded holes the three fastening bolts of the compressor bracket to the car engine cylinder block.
  19. Remove the air conditioning compressor mounting bracket from the vehicle body.
  20. Drain the oil from the engine lubrication system.
  21. Remove the two bolts securing the flywheel or hydraulic transformer disc guard.
  22. Remove the flywheel shield itself from the vehicle.
  23. Unscrew twenty bolts securing the car's oil sump.
  24. Remove the oil pan. To do this, it is necessary to apply light blows with a hammer along the perimeter of the pallet.
  25. Unscrew the pulley mounting bolt, holding the engine crankshaft from turning. To do this you will need a mounting blade.
  26. Remove the pulley.
  27. Drain the coolant from the vehicle's engine cooling system.
  28. Unscrew and remove the three screws securing the coolant pump pulley.
  29. Remove the coolant pump pulley from the vehicle.
  30. Using a lifting mechanism, hang up the power unit.
  31. Disconnect the ground wire from the stud.
  32. Remove the right powertrain suspension mount bracket from the vehicle.
  33. Remove the timing chain cover.
  34. Remove the cover gasket.
  35. Mark the location of the timing chain, camshaft sprockets and crankshaft sprocket. This only needs to be done in case of reverse installation. When replacing with a new belt, this procedure is not necessary.
  36. Release the timing chain tensioner and lock it in this position. To do this, you need to install a pin.
  37. Unscrew the two bolts securing the belt chain tensioner and timing gear drive.
  38. Remove the tensioner from the vehicle.
  39. Remove the timing chain tensioner shoe.
  40. Remove the timing chain from the vehicle.
  41. Assess the condition of the timing belt.
  42. Replacement with a new timing belt and installation of all parts is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
  43. Adjust the gas distribution phases (recommended at service centers).
  44. Check the operation of the car and the presence of extraneous sounds.

It is highly recommended to entrust the procedure for replacing the timing belt to auto mechanics at service centers. Otherwise, if the belt is installed incorrectly or certain parts are not fastened correctly, this will provoke an even more in-depth and complex repair.

Importance of Timing Belt on Modern Vehicles

The timing belt plays an integral role in the stable operation of the engine of any car. A malfunction or critical wear affects the entire vehicle. He simply won't go. In the case of small engines (up to 1.4), a torn timing belt pulls out and bends the valve.

Everything would be fine, the engine is just like an engine, if not for the knocking of the engine when cold. Very many CFNA engines begin to knock before they even reach one hundred thousand kilometers, and in some cases the defect occurs already in the first 30 thousand.

Be careful when purchasing. A common problem is a progressive knocking noise after a cold start.

Polo Sedan Engine - CFNA

At one time, the Polo Sedan model, priced from 399 rubles, entered the Russian market. (!) became a sensation and was considered an achievement of the Volkswagen concern. Still would! Getting Volkswagen quality for that kind of money is a dream for many. But, as often happens, the low price had a bad effect on the quality of the product - the Polo Sedan engineCFNA 1.6 l 105 hpturned out to be not as reliable as expected.

Engine CFNA 1.6 was installed not only on the Polo Sedan, but also on other models of the Volkswagen concern, including those assembled abroad. From 2010 to 2015, this engine was installed on the following models:

  • Volkswagen
    • Polo Sedan
    • Jetta
    • Vento
    • Lavida
  • Skoda
    • Rapid
    • Fabia
    • Roomster

If you don’t know what engine is installed in a given car, you can find out by looking at its VIN code.

CFNA motor problems

The main problem of the engineCFNA 1.6 is knocking when cold. At first, the knock of the pistons on the cylinder walls manifests itself as a slight tinkling sound in the first minutes after a cold start. As it warms up, the piston expands, pressing against the cylinder walls, so the knocking noise disappears until the next cold start.

At first, the owner may not attach any importance to this, but the knocking progresses and soon even the inattentive car owner realizes that there is something wrong with the engine. The very appearance of a knock (impact of the piston on the cylinder wall) indicates the beginning of the active phase of engine destruction. With the arrival of summer, the knocking may subside, but with the first frost, CFNA will begin to knock again.

Gradually, the CFNA engine knocking “when cold” increases its duration, and one day, it remains even after the engine has warmed up.

Engine knock

The knock of the engine piston on the cylinder wall occurs when the pistons are repositioned at top dead center. This becomes possible as a result of wear of the pistons and cylinder walls. The graphite coating of the skirts quickly wears down to the piston metal

Significant wear occurs in places where the piston rubs against the cylinder walls.

Then the metal of the piston begins to hit the cylinder wall and then scuffing occurs on the piston skirt

And on the cylinder wall

Despite the large number of complaints, the Volkswagen concern over the years of production CFNA engine(2010-2015) never declared a recall. Instead of replacing the entire unit, the manufacturer performs piston group repair, and even then only if you apply under warranty.

The Volkswagen group does not disclose the results of its research, but from the scant explanations it follows that cause of defect supposedly consists in poor piston design. In case of a warranty claim, service centers replace standard EM pistons with modified ET ones, which supposedly should completely solve problem of piston knocking in cylinders.

But as practice shows, CFNA engine overhaul is not the final solution to the problem and half of the owners again complain about the appearance of engine knocking, after several thousand km. mileage The other half of those who have encountered knocking from this engine try to sell the car as soon as possible after major repairs.

There is a version that the real reason for the rapid wear of the CFNA engine may be chronic oil starvation caused by low oil pressure. The oil pump does not provide sufficient pressure when the engine is running at idle speed, so the engine is regularly in oil starvation mode, which leads to accelerated wear.

Resource

Declared by the manufacturer Polo Sedan engine life is 200 thousand km, but traditionally naturally aspirated 1.6 liter engines produced by Volkswagen should run at least 300-400 thousand km.

A defect such as piston knocking when cold makes these figures irrelevant. The Volkswagen group does not disclose official statistics, but judging by the activity on the forums, 5 out of 10 CFNA engines begin to knock at mileage from 30 to 100 thousand km. There are also known cases of defect manifestation on runs of less than 10 thousand km.

However, it should be noted that there have been no cases of a jammed CFNA motor. This is probably due to the fact that the knocking progresses gradually and gives time to make a decision about repairing the engine or selling the car.

Among the large number of complaints about knocking, there are isolated reports of successful long-term operation of an engine that has a knocking noise when cold, which supposedly does not progress and does not bother. Unfortunately, such reports are not confirmed by video recordings and, most likely, it is not the pistons that are knocking, but the hydraulic compensators. According to reviews from car owners whose engines began to knock for real, it soon becomes impossible to ignore this knocking. The ringing becomes so loud that “it’s embarrassing to stand next to the car” and “it can be heard from the 7th floor balcony.”

CFNA Engine Replacement

If the car is under warranty, the manufacturer performs free warranty repairs, replacing standard EM pistons with modified ET ones. The cylinder block and crankshaft can also be replaced, but these expensive parts are not always replaced under warranty.

Engine CFNA equipped timing chain drive, and the chain tensioner does not have a reverse stop. There are no recesses on the pistons here either, so chain break/jump leads to "Armageddon" - the motor bends the valve. The steel chain is designed to provide higher service life and reliability compared to a belt drive. In fact, the timing chain of this engine stretches quite quickly and requires replacement at 100 thousand kilometers.

The chain tensioner does not have a backstop and works only due to oil pressure, which is pumped by the oil pump and appears only after the engine is started. Thus, the chain tension occurs only when the engine is running, and while the engine is turned off, the stretched chain can move along with the tensioner.

Due to this It is not recommended to park the car with the gear engaged, But without parking brake. When starting the engine, the stretched chain on the camshaft gears may jump. In this case, the valves may encounter the piston, which leads to expensive engine repairs.

Over time, during operation, the standard CFNA exhaust manifold cracks and the car begins to growl loudly. It is advisable to replace the exhaust manifold free of charge, before the end of the warranty, otherwise it will either have to be replaced (for 47 thousand rubles) or welded (as in the photo), which will be cheaper.

CFNA Motor Characteristics

Manufacturer: Volkswagen
Years of production: October 2010 – November 2015
Engine CFNA 1.6 l. 105 hp belongs to the series EA 111. It was produced for 5 years, from October 2010 to November 2015, and then was discontinued and replaced by an engine C.W.V.A. from the new generation EA211.

Engine Configuration

In-line, 4 cylinders
2 camshafts Without phase regulators
4 valves/cylinder, Hydraulic compensators
Timing drive: Chain
Cylinder block: Aluminum + Cast iron sleeves

Power: 105 hp(77 kW).
Torque 153 N*m
Compression ratio: 10.5
Bore/Stroke: 76.5/86.9
Aluminum pistons. Piston diameter, taking into account the thermal gap for expansion, is 76.460 mm

In addition, there is a CFNB version, which is completely identical, but is equipped with different firmware, thanks to which the engine power is reduced to 85 hp.

The drive belt is a belt transmission element that serves to transmit torque. The transmission of torque occurs due to frictional forces or engagement forces (toothed belts).

VW Polo sedan cars use a belt drive that transmits torque from the CFNA (CFNB) engine crankshaft pulley to the pump (coolant pump), idler pulley, tensioner pulley, alternator pulley and air conditioning compressor pulley.

If you don't change your polo belt in time, what will happen?

During its operation, the Volkswagen Polo sedan drive belt stretches. This is provided by the manufacturer, and therefore a tensioner roller is installed in the drive belt mechanism.

However, the tensioner roller's stroke is also limited; when it reaches the limiter, the belt begins to slip in the Volkswagen Polo drive mechanism, as a result of which it heats up. Overheating leads to belt breakage.

If the drive belt is not replaced on time (according to the prescribed regulations) on a Volkswagen Polo with a CFNA (CFNB) 105 hp engine. (85 hp) equipped with an air conditioning system, this will lead to a break in the drive belt, which leads to the following consequences:

If there is no drive belt, torque is not transmitted to the pump, and accordingly the pump does not work (coolant supply pump). The lack of forced circulation of coolant leads to overheating of the Polo sedan engine.
- in the absence of a drive belt, torque is not transmitted to the Polo sedan generator. Accordingly, the electrical part of the car will work for some time from the car’s battery until it is completely discharged.
- in the absence of a drive belt, torque is not transmitted to the air conditioning compressor, but this is not the most critical thing in this situation.

Thus, the most dangerous thing when the drive belt of a Polo sedan breaks is the lack of forced circulation of coolant, which quickly leads to overheating of the VW Polo sedan engine.

Replacing the timing belt Polo sedan

Attention! On VW Polo sedan cars from 2010 to November 2015, engines with the letter designation CFNA (105 hp) and CFNB (95 hp) were installed. In these vehicles, the engines use a timing chain in their timing mechanism. Replacing the timing chain in a VW Polo sedan is not regulated in terms of mileage and service life.

Replacing the timing belt is only possible in Polo sedan engines installed since November 2015. Read more about CWVA engines here.