MOT, Cambelt & Water Pump

[skilab]

Hi

Took my car for the MOT yesterday - went through no problems with the only recommendation stating an emissions reading could not be given due to the low level.

Is this normal as I have never seen this before?

Secondly, the cambelt (and water pump?) will be due for replacement as the car turns 4 years old in a couple of months - maybe a simple question, how do you know if the water pump needs replacing too or is this something that will be done as will need doing to add an extra £100 or so to the bill?

Thanks

[stealthwolf]

As far as I know, the water pump doesn't need to be replaced along with the cambelt. Just replace it when it fails. The problem is that you end up removing the same stuff to swap the cambelt over as to change the waterpump. By swapping it now, you're saving on labour rates. Also, the water pump design has been revised (I think!).

[Leonard]

For the little extra money and piece of mind I would replace the waterpump.

Have seen them go between 40-80k....

[JackG]

The belt is tension is very high so play in the shaft of the pump is around 70% chance....so when you put the new belt on and tension it up it's possible that even more play can occur giving you a slight leak....wich again can contaminate the belt you've just had replaced
For extra £100 it's worth it 

[skilab]

Thanks folks.

Intersting to read an earlier thread that stated the pump only costs about £40 quid, yet the extra charge is £100 even though there would be little extra labour - just me being tight I guess!

[JackG]

Thanks folks.

Intersting to read an earlier thread that stated the pump only costs about £40 quid, yet the extra charge is £100 even though there would be little extra labour - just me being tight I guess!

There is coolant too but not £50 worth lol