..... through two already flexible belts... But I get it. Its not top of the priority list at the minute though. New P gasket, new rad, new intercooler, egr blank off, new lift pump, new air and fuel filter all need their combined effects confirming before moving deeper inside to see why I...

on that note.... why does it need to have a rubber insert ?

ooooooo, I knew there's be a catch somewhere !!! To be fair it does look a bit knacked around the rubbers....

All https://www.dropbox.com/sh/djzmqn4s1ivffd6/AADwJjWKNzMfFIqc8ij6d5jNa?dl=0 A quick google images search doesn't bring too many pictures back that would indicate this is commonly done. I've just successfully used an old belt wrapped as shown to get all the pulley nuts loose on my 300tdi...