[scottr611]

Recently purchased a 2005 Passat TDI that needs the oil pump/balance shafts replaced. Considering pulling the engine instead of doing it while in the car. For anyone who has possibly done a few of these, which is easier? Replacing while in the car or pulling engine then replacing?

 

[Fluid]

I tinker with cars, not the Passat, but in general, the more you touch the more chance for messing something up or breaking something during removal. It sounds like a pain and I'd rather do it out of the car but pulling the engine is turning a 1 day project into a weekend project. For a pro like oilhammer who has done many of these jobs, he could do the job and change the ATF in 8 hours.

 

[chittychittybangbang]

Definitely replace in the car. I can guarantee that it's much faster.

When you pull the engine you have to separate the transmission, flexplate/torque converter, starter, wire harness, downpipe, while the instructions are all in the FAQ, it's much harder and time consuming.