Change Car Accessory Belt Kit Volkswagen California
Change Car Accessory Belt Kit
| Estimated time | 0h30–1h30 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–150£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Renew the air-conditioning compressor drive belt | 0h30 |
| Renew the ancillary drive belt | 0h45–1h30 |
| Renew the engine oil and filter | 1h30 |
| Renew the ancillary drive belt EURO 3, ( - 2006) | 1h30 |
| Renew the ancillary drive belt EURO 4, (2007 - ) | 1h30 |
What is a Volkswagen California accessory belt?
The accessory belt (also called the auxiliary belt or serpentine belt) allows the engine to drive peripheral components such as the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, and sometimes the water pump.
When should you change the Volkswagen California accessory belt?
Typical replacement is every 60,000–120,000 km or 4–6 years. Signs of wear include: squealing noise (especially at start-up or in wet weather), visible cracks or fraying. Always replace the tensioner and any idler pulleys at the same time.
Is it difficult to change the Volkswagen California accessory belt?
Difficulty level 2/5: technically easy. Key steps: note the belt routing before removal, release the automatic tensioner, slide off the old belt, replace tensioner and idler pulleys, route the new belt, release the tensioner to apply tension.
2 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| California T4 1991-2003 | 1991-2003 | 2.5 TDI Diesel (AXG), 2.5 TDI Diesel (AXL), 2.8 VR6 Petrol (AMV) | Diesel, Petrol |
| California T5/Campmobile 2003-2015 | 2003-2015 | 1.9 8V TDI (DPF) Diesel (BRR), 1.9 8V TDI (DPF) Diesel (BRS), 1.9 8V TDI Diesel (AXB), 1.9 8V TDI Diesel (AXC), 2.0 CR TDI Diesel (CAAA), 2.0 CR TDI Diesel (CAAB), 2.0 CR TDI Diesel (CAAC), 2.0 CR TDI Diesel (CAAD), 2.0 CR TDI Diesel (CAAE), 2.0 CR TDI Diesel (CCHA), 2.0 CR TDI … | Diesel, Petrol |