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VW Polo up to 09

Gates advises that a new water pump should be installed as part of a timing belt drive system overhaul. It adds that in the event of any subsequent problems, if the water pump is a part of the belt kit, a single warranty and one inspection will cover all. Gates now has a range of kits that include a water pump that provides a solution.

VW Polo petrol engines can suffer with sticking valves due to carbon build up on valves and valve seats resulting in an engine misfire, low compression and the engine management light coming on showing a fault code for cylinder misfire.

To cure the fault it is recommended to use Forté Petrol IMV Cleaner as per instructions adding Forté Advanced Formula Gas Treatment into the fuel tank, and carrying out Clean and Protect 45 minute Advanced Formula Motor Flush adding Oil System Protector to the new oil. It is also recommended to clean the fuel system and oil system regularly at service to help maintain efficient combustion and prevent the fault reoccurring.

Wheel Bearings

The fifth generation VW polo, also known as the 6R, was introduced in 2009 and is based on the VAG PQ25 platform, which is shared with the Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia and Audi A1.

This platform uses a Generation 2.1 wheel bearing on the front axle, which is integral to the hub assembly and has to be installed correctly in order for the bearing to function properly.

It is important to note that bearings of this type cannot be reused as they have a locking ring, which breaks upon removal.

A few notes about the VW Polo IV (2002 - 2009)

Engine Oil

For this particular series of Polo, VW lists several specifications for engine oil which should be covered by Comma Prolife 5W30, Comma Syner-G 5W40 and Comma Diesel PD 5W40.

Rotating Electrics

Remy warns of the potential problems for the technician because a wide variety of starters and alternators were fitted to these models. This is why it is absolutely essential that the technician compares the OE part number on the starter or alternator to the catalogue part number prior to ordering a replacement part.

• 1993 models had a problem with the security of the brake pipes not being correctly secured the steering rack which caused the pies to chafe through. (VOSA)




• 1997 -1999 models could experience cracking to the vacuum hose to the Brake servo, reducing servo effectiveness – care should be taken to check the hose before misdiagnosing an internal fault with the servo. (VOSA)




• 1999 – 2001 Polo GTI models experienced a problem with the way the clutch pedal bracket was welded, resulting in the clutch not operating correctly. The condition of the clutch pedal mounting should be checked when diagnosing/replacing a clutch to identify a possible alternative reason for clutch failure. (VOSA)

• Engine Management Coolant Temperature sensors make up 34 percent of the top ten selling Cambiare parts for the polo. Technicians should be aware that a failure of this component will result in higher than normal fuel consumption, poor hard start and reduced power.

ATA Fast Fits accreditations are the latest training programmes to be redeveloped by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). The changes have been made to keep the accreditations in line with advancement in vehicle technology and insist that technicians are required to know how to use diagnostic equipment and carry out four-wheel alignment

Brake pedal wrong, missing, loosened components

RENAULT CLIO III 1.2 16V

Reference number 4692D
Fault symptoms: Preventive measure for a brake light switch defect.
Causes: Production defect.
Remedy: Replace stop light switch. If a blue sticker will be present in the area of the suspension strut dome in case the action was already carried out and on this field B6 was checked.
Part number:
Brake pedal switch OE (82 00 276 361)
Label OE (49 39 031 070)

Renault Clio 2005 onwards

Steering Ball Joint

The Renault Clio is prone to ball joint failure on both sides of its front steering & suspension assemblies. First Line’s FBJ5462, which is suitable for both left or right hand applications, is in fact, one of the company’s best sellers.

There are few major fitting issues, but it is very important that the technician ensures that the ball joint is pressed into the assembly using the correct installation tool and crucially, without the application of any lubrication.

On this application the ball joint is designed to be reliant on an interference fit and the use of any lubricant will compromise the retention of the joint and jeopardise its safe operation when in service.