X2.. I really wish I would have taken pictures when I did my TB. I could've made a DIY.

JHMotorsports 2.7t timing belt video is almost 95% the same for the 2.8. That's what I used for reference during my TB job.

Like ImTheDevil said, remove the front end, drain the coolant, swing the radiator out and enjoy the room to work!

My friend mike replacing my lower coolant line for me. Good guy.

 

Looking at that picture, I like the way he marked the position of the cam gears the way he did. I believe I have just absorbed his method and made it mine. Thanks for posting that.

 

Yessir, Falls Church is west of DC. I actually live closer to Tysons Corner but I still have a Falls Church address. Maybe 12 miles west of the Potomac? I drove to the Chesapeake/Norfolk area to by my avant last year

 

Definitely mark the cam sprockets but do it asymmetrically so that you can only align the marks one way. Example, mark it at 3, 9, and 12 o'clock. Mark the belt also, so you know that you don't jump a tooth if it slips while changing the thermostat. If you have a buddy to help, keep the belt tensioner but slide it forward halfway off the passenger sprocket and have him hold it there (on a threat of death if he lets go for any reason). You'll have just enough room to pull/tap the channeling plate over the bridge of the thermostat and move it out of the way.

 

That's what I was thInking, I usually do a couple near 12 o'clock but I was saying I liked how he had it marked at each quadrant.

 

The way I did it was I marked it, took zip ties and put them around the cam gears tight enough to keep the belt on

 

with decent mechanical skills...how long should it take just to get the bumper off...and everything else im going to need to move outta my way

 

Probably 45-60 minutes if it's your first time. You can follow the 1.8T DIY to put the car in service position. With the exception of having no crossover charge pipe under the nose, it is identical to your car.

 

Just make sure you take your time and try to stay organized. Go forth and conquer!

 

I estimate about 2 hours for a first time bumper and radiator removal. most of that time is going to be spent cursing stupid german engineering and trying to figure out exactly how to get a (insert tool name here) onto the (insert fastener name here) that is tucked up around a corner, under the (insert part name)

like DOC said, take your time and stay organized. makes reassembly go that much more smoothly