How important is it to change water pump the same time as the cambelt?

[pben47]

Hi Guys,

I am looking at buying an Edition 30, one has come up and just had its 4 yr service at around 40,000mls.

The dealer has changed the dsg oil, oil, filter and cambelt replaced but the water pump has not been changed.

Is this too much of a risk to take on until the next cambelt change in 4yrs or is it recommended to get it changed asap.

I am told to change it would mean a new cambelt would need fitting again, shame as it has just been done.

Should I only be considering cars that have had the water pump changed at the same time as the cambelt.

Cheers,
Paul

[alexperkins]

Waterpump isnt considered a consumable. More of a change it whilst everything is off as the cambelt has to be removed to change the pump

I wouldnt be too concerned personally.

[pben47]

Waterpump isnt considered a consumable. More of a change it whilst everything is off as the cambelt has to be removed to change the pump

I wouldnt be too concerned personally.

cheers Alex,

If it fails though and the cambelt came off would it be covered under vw extended warranty do you know?

Do you know if they are prone to failure before say 8yrs 80,000mls?

[alexperkins]

Waterpumps are generally good for life 

That is something you would have to check, but yes Id have thought so

[pben47]

Cheers Alex,

just got a little worried there as lots of people recommend changing the water pump so I thought it a possible well known issue rather than just best practice.

Paul

[alexperkins]

Waterpumps used to fail becuase they use to use plastic impeller blades, but in recent years these have been replaced by metal blades thus removing the issue where the plastic blades would wear out and snap off causing the pump to effectively fail

[lee_]

Just asked this very question as my local VW dealer won't normally change the water pump during a cambelt service.
They said they inspect them for any play or wear and replace if necessary (extra £80). The independent garages all said
they replace it as a matter of course.

If VW see fit not to change it, I can't see it being a problem.

[mb]

Had my cambelt changed in May last year and didn't bother getting the waterpump changed. Apparently it was ok when they inspected it.

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[QD MBE]

IMO it is good engineering sense to change the pump whilst doing the Cam belt.  Some say not.  Up to you, extra cost for piece of mind is probably the pump and some G12++ coolant if the dealer is being honest and not charging an extra hours labour, for a job that will take 10mins.  

I see it as opportunistic precautionary maintenance, where the coolant and pump are along with the oil/'oil filter are the lifeblood of the engine, and given that we all spend many £'s on modding the car, really it is a pittance for peace of mind.

Last pump I bought from the VW TPS a couple of months ago for a mate's mk5 TDi was a plastic impellored pump.  The old one had given up the ghost and was leaking from the labyrinth seal around the drive.  the original impellor was plastic, and although brittle was in once piece.