TSI Timing Belt Replacement – With and Without Locking Kit | Real-World Test and Results
🧠Do You Really Need a Locking Kit for a TSI Timing Belt Change?
This question comes up all the time — especially for anyone working on VW, SEAT, Å koda, or Audi TSI engines. The official service manuals always say to use the locking kit… but what actually happens if you don’t?
In my latest video on the How2FixIt YouTube channel, I test it out for real. I replace the timing belt two ways — first with the proper locking tools, and then again without them, marking the pulleys and belt by hand to see how accurate the result really is.
🎥 Watch the full video here!
🔧 What’s Covered in the Video:
- How to align the camshaft and crankshaft correctly
- Using the TSI locking kit vs marking by hand
- Tensioning the new timing belt
- Checking alignment and marks before reassembly
- The real-world difference between both methods
⚙️ Which Engines This Applies To:
This guide covers the VW Group 1.2 and 1.4 TSI petrol engines, including models like:
- VW Polo, Golf, and Golf Plus
- SEAT Ibiza and Leon
- Å koda Fabia and Octavia
- Audi A1 and A3
🧩 What I Found:
When fitting the belt without a locking kit, you can get the timing close — but it’s easy to end up a fraction off. On engines like these, that can mean rough running, timing errors, or check-engine lights
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