I thought I'd compile a list of genuine tools available from the network that would help you no end. We have quite a few special tools that make jobs much easier and safer, sometimes possible. Most of these aren't expensive and well worth getting before tackling some jobs.

From left, top row

36mm thin wall socket for 12 point nut on Fabia hub nut - T10125

22mm split sided socket for lambda probes and strut top nuts - 3078

Socket for alternator pulley on petrol models - 3310

Bottom row from left

Triple square plug tool for gearbox - T20118

Hub spreader - 3424

Socket for diesel one way alternator pulley - 3400

And this one pops up a lot (this one is about 12 years old so well used..lol)

Oil filter removal tool, fits 1.9 TDi (not all PD models though), 1.8T, 2.0 petrol models and 1.4,1.8 TSi and twin charge and quite a few more

3417

Useful post ross, if there were a thanks button I would press it but ther isn't so I'll give you a :p instead

Off hand do you know,Is there a special spanner for counter holding the power steering pump hub so you can rremove the pulley for the 20v engines? I'm sure I've seen one somewhere with a Large circular centre hole then 3 smaller holes surrounding it..?

Also there is a special little t shaped tool with a stud coming out the bottom for compressing the cam chain tensioner on the 20v engines, I used to have one but I lost it, is there a tool number for that still?

I officially own none of those I do have a 32??mm socket just for the oil filter cap on my car.

Useful post ross, if there were a thanks button I would press it but ther isn't so I'll give you a :p instead

Off hand do you know,Is there a special spanner for counter holding the power steering pump hub so you can rremove the pulley for the 20v engines? I'm sure I've seen one somewhere with a Large circular centre hole then 3 smaller holes surrounding it..?

Also there is a special little t shaped tool with a stud coming out the bottom for compressing the cam chain tensioner on the 20v engines, I used to have one but I lost it, is there a tool number for that still?

Yes to both, the tensioner tool is a M5 bolt, but tbh it's a lot easier to undo the two 10mm bolts, take the damper out and compress it in a vice and pin it, then refit. As for the counter hold tool there are two I know of. One is a hinged rod with two pins in, might have a spare one of them, I'll have a look.

Edit, cam chain not belt, yes I have a few of them. I'll get number or see if I can find one for you.

I seem to remember that when you purchase a new chai tensioner from vw (or skoda) it comes supplied with one becuse it comes pre-tensioned ready to fit. I remember bying the tool from the seat dealer in Portsmouth for about £5 but I can't remember the number for it now and the delearship has since changed hands and they are less willing to help folks now.

Edit: apologies for cluttering up this thread. Found the pulley holdng tool I was looking for

only £20 odd quid too, also does some of the water pump pulleys too.

Yeah that's right Tom it does come with the new tensioner

3366

The other tool is a holding tool, fits a lot of pulleys especially the viscous ones (number 3212)

But the PAS pump on the 1.8T by the manual is counterheld with a 9mm allen key up the centre, a'la.

Ah, thanks for that, I was unaware that there was a hex socket inside the centre of the pulley, the pump I have came from a breakers yard so the it's a bit dirty, strange thing is I can't remember ever having to take a pulley off to remove the pump on a polo or lupo, must be a slightly different pump design or maybe my memory is failing me.