Valued workhorse
2004 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T5
The fifth-generation of the ever-popular Volkswagen series of vans appeared in April 2003 and lasted until 2015 as a short and long wheelbase model with over 100 different variants. Worldwide production exceeded 1.65 million.
The van we’re looking at is one of the earlier models, which has clocked up over 330,000 miles and is still running thanks to routine servicing by independent VAG specialist IVC of Leeds who use and admittedly abuse it as their works vehicle. This T5 is powered by VW’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder diesel engine, which has no timing belt or chain, but gears to connect the crankshaft to the camshaft. The suspension is robust and straightforward, consisting of MacPherson struts, lower arms and an anti-roll bar at the front, and trailing arms with separate coil springs and dampers and an anti-roll bar at the rear. Brakes are servo-assisted discs all-round.
Underbonnet layout
Overall difficulty rating
Equipment required
› jack › axle stands (or ramp) › oil tray › 5.5-36mm sockets/spanners › Torx T15 and T25 bits › pliers › water pump pliers › screwdrivers › wheel brace › pry bars › battery tester › antifreeze hydrometer › brake fluid tester › hammers › soft brush › spray grease › penetrating fluid › petroleum jelly › brake cleaner › tyre
