The wrong size belt on a Jetta

Another friend spent three days trying to put on a serpentine belt on a newly purchased 2000 VW Jetta GLX (V6 engine). The old belt was badly worn and missing some ridges. He got a replacement belt from some independent VW shop, but he just couldn't get it on. So we went to pep boys and got the right belt. We brought the old belt to verify the correct size.


The V6 Jettas are packed with stuff and useless plastic cover pieces. (I hate how luxury or wanna-be luxury cars dress up the engine compartment with stylish plastic pieces.) There's not much room to work on the belt. He fished his hand down a narrow opening that was about the same width as a video tape, and installed the belt on by feel on all the pulleys. It took him several hours to complete the job in freezing weather at night!


I had recommended removing the wheel and side cover. This page has lots of pictures on removing the belt and tensioner. Here are lots of DIY procedures for a V6 Jetta.