Crankshaft bolt AFN: Always replace?

Hello, since my 1998 AFN needs a timing belt replacement, I got the parts earlier from .

It was then considered that the crankshaft bolt and the timing belt pulley would always need to be replaced as well.

Has anyone ever heard of that before?

I actually assumed that I could leave this screw untouched during the timing belt replacement.

"Thank you."

Who would say such a thing?
VAG certainly didn't plan for that...

Best regards,
Rudi

I would also leave those parts as they are. But it's best to check that the guys gave you the correct parts and not something for the first generation (although maybe the timing belts are the same... I'm not sure).

Another case of competent advice from Volkswagen...

Okay, for the second belt replacement, I would also replace the screw. Mine, which was a 12.9 grade screw, loosened after 275,000 km, and fortunately, it only caused minor damage. Basically, it's not really about the screw itself, but about its preload. You can't tell by looking at the screw whether the preload is gone. The only way to check is to loosen and retighten it. But since the screw shouldn't be reused after being loosened, a new one needs to be installed. So, we end up back at the screw again.

My suggestion: Take a look at the new screw and the crankshaft stub.

The AFN had a problem with the screw. I've never heard of anything like that before.
This only applies to the 1Z. Please leave the screw in.
I would say it's okay if the simmer ring eventually becomes leaky, because it will have to be replaced anyway.

@Dirk:

What is the manufacturing year of your 1Z?

Best regards,
Rudi

Mine is from March 1994.

I had the timing belt replaced at a VW workshop. They only replaced the timing belt and 3 screws from the pulley. Apparently, the engine already had the 12.9 grade screws installed.

Hmmm...
Mine is about two years younger (born in 05/1996), but it also has approximately the same mileage.
and recently, a third one.
Let's see how things develop for me.

Best regards,
Rudi