I'm trying to find this kit that is supposed to allow a mechanic to slide the front of the car forward without having to remove the front when changing a cambelt on a PD engine, as of yet google returns nothing, does it exist or is it a wives tale?

Hmm... I think I've heard Lummox or Roto mention something along these lines before...

I'm not sure if it's a tool but there is a way of putting the bumper into "service" position. Perhaps one of them could elaborate?

Sealey makes them, they also make timing tool kits

?Service Position? Front End Support Guides Set - VAG VS4741 Sealey

And this is waiting in my garage for the TB job...

Diesel Engine Setting & Locking Kit 8pc - VAG V6 Tdi VS1240 Sealey

It also includes the guides

Sealey makes them, they also make timing tool kits

?Service Position? Front End Support Guides Set - VAG VS4741 Sealey

And this is waiting in my garage for the TB job...

Diesel Engine Setting & Locking Kit 8pc - VAG V6 Tdi VS1240 Sealey

It also includes the guides

My man!! you nailed it, I've booked it in at a VW dealer, will let you all know how it goes once it's done.

To change the cambelt on the B5.5 you need to move the front forwards about 3". Although VAG list special tools for this, just go to B&Q and buy a length of M8 studding, chop it up and use it to support the front - no problems.

I used the Laser kit for pegging the engine - kit 3978 services the PD and the V6 engine. Make sure you understand how the tensioner works and make sure there is no locked-in torque by releasing the 3 camwheel bolts whilst the belt is tensioned with the locking tools in place. Before refitting the covers, turn engine 2 revolutions in its normal running direction and check that the locking tools fit perfectly and the tensioner pointer is in the middle of its window. Double check all disturbed fixings. Fit a new pattern water pump with a metal impeller whilst you are in there.

rotodiesel.

If one was to not change the aux belts at the same time, can these be changed without the same fuss later?

p.s Cheers Roto, I'll not be doing it myself as I don't wanna mess it up tensioning it wrong.

Sealey makes them, they also make timing tool kits

?Service Position? Front End Support Guides Set - VAG VS4741 Sealey

And this is waiting in my garage for the TB job...

Diesel Engine Setting & Locking Kit 8pc - VAG V6 Tdi VS1240 Sealey

It also includes the guides

Useful indeed!

Well guys it's done, I had belt,pump and aux belts replaced at a cost of £422 and a few pence, I chose to use VW for the job as I felt they see more Passat's than a Skoda dealer sees Superb's, and they were £50 cheaper than the Skoda quotes I'd obtained.

Car runs nice and smooth on idle, steering feels better and the hint of alternator pulley noise I had has gone so it must've been the belt causing that, there's also new anti freeze and mine was getting weak anyway so with the cold snap expected it's no bad thing.

Dropped the car off at 9am and got a call at 1pm to pickup, so all done in good time which suggest's whoever did it knew how to do them properly, I found one minus point but I won't list it because there could be a few reasons why it's happened and it's nothing to do with the engine or effects the car in any way, or it may never have been there at all.

Anyway, there you have it, one satisfied customer abiet a bit poorer.