In a message dated 11/29/01 11:35:16 AM Pacific Standard Time,
developtrust@home.com writes:

<< I'm going to try to tighten my fan belts today. Those of you with
experience
 please tell me when is the best time to tighten fan belts. When the engine
 and fan belt is hot, or cold? My belt squeaks when hot but not when cold. >>

Sounds like you need to do it while it's warm. Gets some fine sandpaper and
rough-up the pulley just a bit while you're back there. I have a policy of
replacing repeatedly squeaky belts with new ones. It's cheap insurance. I
also modified my alternator bracket to accept the geared adjuster nut
available in later Golfs and Jettas. I think someone said a similar bracket
is now available from VW. It beats trying to stretch the pulleys apart while
trying to tighten the nuts at the same time.

BenT