OVERVIEW
Original cylindrical locating pin
The N-043-207-2 Genuine VW/Audi dowel pin locates adjoining engine components at the original position specified in the parts diagram. Unlike a threaded bolt, the cylindrical pin establishes alignment through its fitted relationship with the receiving bores. The confirmed applications below identify the BDF 24-valve VR6 lower timing cover arrangement and the listed BEW TDI engine sealing-flange locating position. These are different assemblies that specify the same original pin.
Technical details
- Original number: N-043-207-2 / N0432072.
- Catalog size: 8x14; 8 mm nominal diameter and 14 mm length.
- Design: solid cylindrical locating pin without a threaded fastening shank.
- Application: original engine locating position that specifies this exact pin.
- Quantity: one pin. Covers, seals, bolts and other engine components are separate.
Correct alignment depends on the intended pin diameter, length and receiving bore condition. A threaded fastener does not replace a locating pin, and a similar-looking dowel may have a different fit. Match the original number and the specific diagram location before assembling the serviced engine components.
Common reasons to replace
- Missing pin: a locating dowel can be misplaced while a cover or adjoining component is removed.
- Damaged locating surface: scoring, distortion or extraction damage can prevent the pin from seating properly.
- Corrosion: a corroded pin or receiving bore can make removal and reassembly difficult.
- Incorrect prior replacement: restore the specified diameter and length at the original locating position.
- Engine component service: inspect the pin when working on the identified timing cover or adjoining engine assembly.
A missing or damaged locator can make assembly alignment more difficult, but fitting a new pin will not repair a damaged receiving bore or distorted cover. Inspect both mating components and their sealing surfaces as part of the complete repair.
Fitment data sheet
| Vehicle | Model years | Engine | Configuration | Application restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen GTI | 2002–2005 | 2.8L 24-valve VR6 gasoline; BDF only | Mk4 GTI; front-wheel drive; 2002 requires BDF engine identification; 6-speed manual; engine-side locating position | Original lower timing cover / engine locating position specifying N-043-207-2. Confirm the engine code and exact diagram position; excludes the earlier AFP 12-valve VR6 from this confirmed application. |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 2002–2004 | 2.8L 24-valve VR6 gasoline; BDF only | Mk4 Sedan; front-wheel drive; GLX or GLI with BDF; 2004 GLI VR6 only, before 1.8T change; 6-speed manual; 5-speed automatic on 2002–2003 GLX where equipped; engine-side locating position | Original lower timing cover / engine locating position specifying N-043-207-2. Confirm the engine code and exact diagram position; excludes the earlier AFP 12-valve VR6 from this confirmed application. |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 2005 | 1.9L TDI diesel; BEW | Mk4 Sedan; front-wheel drive; early body style; Manual or automatic; engine-side locating position | Original engine sealing-flange locating pin, illustration 103-17 position 18; four per illustrated assembly, sold individually. Early Mk4 body through chassis 9M-5-149999; excludes later Mk5 BRM engine. Confirm the original engine block and flange before ordering. |
Installation and ordering guidance
Confirm the engine code and original engine diagram before ordering. The 2002 model year includes engine changes, so identifying a vehicle only as a VR6 is insufficient. The VR6 rows are restricted to the BDF 24-valve configuration and do not establish fitment to an earlier 12-valve engine. The separate TDI row covers the BEW engine in the early 2005 Mk4 Jetta; it does not extend to the later Mk5 BRM configuration.
Locate every pin required by the serviced assembly and inspect the mating bores. Follow the factory procedure for removal and installation, including the prescribed installed depth and orientation where applicable. Avoid striking or forcing a damaged pin into a bore, and do not use cover bolts to pull misaligned components into position.
Seat the adjoining components on their original locators before tightening the mounting hardware in the prescribed sequence. Replace associated seals as required by the repair procedure and check that the completed assembly is correctly aligned. Order the number of pins required at the actual serviced positions.