OVERVIEW
Genuine VW/Audi VR6 Accessory Belt Tensioner
022-145-299-L is the genuine tensioner assembly used to maintain the intended tension in matched 3.2L and 3.6L VR6 accessory belt drives. Its tensioning mechanism and pulley work together to control belt engagement as the accessory drive operates. The assembly must match the original belt routing and engine mounting arrangement.
This listing supplies one tensioner assembly with pulley as shown in the original photograph. The accessory belt, separate idler pulleys and other drive components are supplied separately. This component serves the accessory drive; it is not a timing belt or timing chain tensioner.
Technical details
- OEM number: 022-145-299-L / 022145299L.
- Assembly: Accessory belt tensioning mechanism with pulley.
- Confirmed engine families: Matched 3.2L and 3.6L gasoline VR6 installations.
- Quantity: One tensioner assembly per purchased unit.
- Confirmed earlier revisions: 022145299C and 022145299H where the factory replacement assignment specifies the L revision.
- Application control: Engine, VIN assignment, belt routing and original mounting arrangement.
A correctly functioning tensioner helps the belt track and transmit load through the accessory drive. The pulley and tensioning mechanism must operate smoothly and remain aligned with the other drive components. A tensioner intended for another engine can have a different mounting interface or working geometry even when its pulley appears similar.
Common reasons to replace
Replacement may be needed when the tensioning mechanism binds, loses its intended control, develops excessive movement or has a damaged housing. A worn pulley bearing can cause noise, rough rotation or play. Belt slipping, squealing, poor tracking or visible tensioner movement may warrant inspection of the complete accessory drive.
Check the belt, idlers, accessory pulleys and mounting surfaces before installing a new tensioner. A damaged belt, misaligned pulley or faulty driven accessory can produce similar symptoms. Replacing the tensioner alone will not correct an incorrect belt length, contamination or damage elsewhere in the drive.
Fitment
The table lists confirmed engine, body and drivetrain configurations. Verify the factory part assignment against the installed tensioner, especially where the vehicle has VIN-dependent earlier C/H revisions or previous engine work. The same model can use a different tensioner with a four-cylinder engine.
| Vehicle | Model years | Engine | Configuration | Application restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A3 | 2006–2009 | 3.2L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6 | 8P hatchback; quattro; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Audi TT | 2008–2009 | 3.2L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6 | 8J Coupe; quattro; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Audi TT | 2008–2009 | 3.2L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6 | 8J Roadster; quattro; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen Eos | 2007–2008 | 3.2L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6 | Convertible; FWD; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen R32 | 2008 | 3.2L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6; CBRA | Mk5 hatchback; 4Motion; 6-speed DSG | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen Passat | 2006–2007 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6; BLV | B6 sedan; FWD; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen Passat | 2006–2008 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6; BLV | B6 sedan; 4Motion; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen Passat | 2007 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6; BLV | B6 wagon; FWD; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen Passat | 2007–2008 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6; BLV | B6 wagon; 4Motion; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen Passat | 2012–2018 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6 | NMS sedan; FWD; includes 2018 GT with original 3.6L belt drive; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen CC | 2009–2010 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6; BLV | Sedan; FWD; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen CC | 2009–2011 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6; BLV | Sedan; 4Motion; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen CC | 2012–2015 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6; CNNA | Sedan; 4Motion; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen CC | 2013–2014 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6; CNNA | Sedan; FWD; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen CC | 2016 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6 | V6 Executive 4Motion sedan; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen Atlas | 2018–2023 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6 | Original 3.6L belt drive; FWD or 4Motion; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
| Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | 2020–2023 | 3.6L naturally aspirated gasoline VR6 | Original 3.6L accessory belt drive; No transmission-specific restriction listed for the original accessory tensioner | Original accessory belt drive assigned 022145299L or a confirmed factory-superseded 022145299C/H arrangement. Match engine, VIN assignment and installed tensioner; one tensioner with pulley supplied. |
Installation and service guidance
Follow the factory procedure for the specific engine and record the original belt routing before removal. Use the designated tensioner service point and tools to release belt tension in a controlled manner. Keep hands clear of the loaded mechanism and follow the procedure for any locking or transport pin provided with the assembly.
Inspect the mounting surfaces, belt and adjacent pulleys. Fit the tensioner in the correct orientation and use the specified fasteners and tightening values. Route the correct belt around the assigned pulleys and verify that it is fully seated before releasing the tensioner as directed.
Complete the factory checks for belt alignment, tensioner operation and clearance before returning the vehicle to service. Investigate any remaining noise or tracking problem across the full drive system. This assembly restores the original accessory tensioning function; it does not change engine timing or increase engine output.