Do i need a special tool or socket to

Do i need a special tool or socket to change the serpentine belt on my 2003 jetta TDI?
What's the best way to do it from top or bottom?

thanks,
Peter

Bottom is the best way and a serpentine wrench does help but I do it with a normal wrench.

what socket size?

thanks again

16mm I do believe. The ALH TB DIY has a page or two on how to get at it and such.

A 5/8 inch does the job too. Here is the conversion from fractional inches to mms:

First convert to decimal equivalent inches (just divide 5 by 8): 5/8 = .625 inches

Then multiply fractional inches by the inch to mm conversion factor: 0.625 inches x 25.4 mm per inch = 15.875 mm

This is 15.875/16 or 99.22% the size of the 16 mm wrench, essentially the same size.

--Nate

16mm, it is nice if you have a pin, allen wrench or drill bit to pin the tensioner in place.

I don't know the ALH but the BEW there is a square tab I just put a cresant wrench on and lock in place then with an allen wrench (since they are harder and I don't own nails-don't work with wood much).