⚙️Serpentine Belt
Volkswagen Beetle Serpentine Belt
Find serpentine belt routing diagrams, part numbers, and replacement instructions for your Volkswagen Beetle. All years covered.
Quick Answer
The Volkswagen Beetle serpentine belt routes around the alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, and water pump. Belt length and routing vary by engine — see diagrams below.
2014-2019
2014-2019Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeAutomatic spring-loaded tensioner
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Use a 1/2" breaker bar or 15mm socket to release the automatic tensioner
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
2008-2013
2008-2013Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeAutomatic spring-loaded tensioner
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Use a 1/2" breaker bar or 15mm socket to release the automatic tensioner
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
2002-2007
2002-2007Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeAutomatic spring-loaded tensioner
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Use a 1/2" breaker bar or 15mm socket to release the automatic tensioner
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1996-2001
1996-2001Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1990-1995
1990-1995Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1984-1989
1984-1989Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1978-1983
1978-1983Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1972-1977
1972-1977Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1966-1971
1966-1971Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1960-1965
1960-1965Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1954-1959
1954-1959Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1948-1953
1948-1953Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1942-1947
1942-1947Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
1938-1941
1938-1941Belt TypeMulti-rib serpentine (6PK or 7PK)
Belt Length85" - 100" (varies by engine and A/C option)
Tensioner TypeManual adjustment bolt or automatic
Replacement Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles
Notes
- →Take a photo of the belt routing BEFORE removing the old belt
- →Check if your model uses automatic or manual tensioner adjustment
- →Inspect the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys for bearing noise while the belt is off
- →A new belt may squeal briefly at startup — this usually stops within a few minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I replace the serpentine belt on a Volkswagen Beetle?
- Release tension on the automatic tensioner with a breaker bar, slide the old belt off, route the new belt per the diagram (usually on a sticker under the hood), and release the tensioner onto the new belt. The job takes 15-30 minutes.
- How do I know if my Volkswagen Beetle serpentine belt needs replacing?
- Signs include squealing at startup, visible cracks or fraying on the belt, loss of power steering or A/C, and the battery light coming on. Most belts should be replaced every 60,000-100,000 miles.
- What happens if the serpentine belt breaks on my Volkswagen Beetle?
- If the serpentine belt breaks, you lose power steering, alternator charging, A/C, and (on some engines) the water pump. Pull over immediately — driving without the water pump will cause overheating and engine damage.
- Where is the belt routing diagram on a Volkswagen Beetle?
- Most Volkswagen Beetle models have a belt routing diagram on a sticker under the hood, near the radiator support or on the inner fender. If it's missing, check the service manual or see the diagrams below.