MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Tarmac_Terrorist on February 19, 2010, 09:39:53 pm

Title: Water Pump
Post by: Tarmac_Terrorist on February 19, 2010, 09:39:53 pm
I've read that it is recommended to replace the water pump when replacing the cambelt & tensioner as it's a relatively cheap part and if it fails at a later date, the labour has to be pretty much replicated. My cam belt will need replacing in May but as the car has only done 7,000 miles, I don't really see the point in replacing the pump.

However, I understand that VW water pumps are known to fail. Can anyone tell me in what way they fail. I mean, in my limited experience, it's usually the bearings that fail on pumps and you can usually hear this develop gradually and then perhaps a slight leak. Is this the case with VW's or do they tend to fail in some other spectacular way causing the belt to snap / lose tension?

I have no major issue in spending an extra £70 for a pump whilst having the belt and bits replaced, but at 7,000 miles I can't really see what i'd be gaining? I only cover about 1500 miles per year.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: RobH on February 19, 2010, 09:44:13 pm
Are you still in warrenty and hows your cambelt tensioner as you could possibly get the lot done under warrenty, loads have on here and mines in their now for the same reason, annoying churping noise.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: Tarmac_Terrorist on February 19, 2010, 10:25:15 pm
I'm well out of warranty but no chirping / tensioner issues on my car. My father in law's ed30 had  his belt / pulleys / tensioner replaced under warranty last week due to the 'under bonnet budgie'!
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: Gene Hunt on February 20, 2010, 10:00:56 am
7 tho is not a lot so maybe leave the pump. I know some VW garages are leaving the pump between cam belt changes if the miles are low.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: SteveTDCi on February 20, 2010, 10:32:31 am
get it done, ok its not a VW but when we had the belts changed on our puma we didn't think about doing the water pump, and now its just started to leak, ok the car is 10 years old in june and has covered a lowish 38k but i would always pay the extra knowing it should be good for a number of years. What is the cambelt change period on the 2.0T anyway ?
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: nc35 on February 20, 2010, 11:35:06 am
Think there is some confusion over the Cam belt change.

Most say Every 5 years or 70K but the manual says 120K

Coming up to 5yrs so will be getting it done at next service.

Prices seem to vary wildly - someone had a deal at £250 which can't be bad.  Just don't know who or where.

Bradford VW - our closest even though we live in Leeds will match or beat any genuine quote from a dealer or independent... 
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: ub7rm on February 20, 2010, 12:58:58 pm
Two weeks ago I had a reminder from my stealer that the cam belt was needing done as it was 4 years old  :stupid:

Quoted price was £520 not including the water pump.

Yesterday I got a voucher from them valid till August to get the belt changed for £299  :congrats:  Pump will be extra.

I believe the failure mode is that the impellers shear off the spindle, and there is a theory going about that the stress of detensioning and retensioning with a new belt is actually the prime culprit in causing this.  Thats why you should get a new pump with a new belt.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: RedRobin on February 20, 2010, 05:26:07 pm

I believe the failure mode is that the impellers shear off the spindle, and there is a theory going about that the stress of detensioning and retensioning with a new belt is actually the prime culprit in causing this.  Thats why you should get a new pump with a new belt.


....That's what I was independently told and later confirmed by my friendly VW dealer.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: TagnuT on February 20, 2010, 05:41:34 pm
Two weeks ago I had a reminder from my stealer that the cam belt was needing done as it was 4 years old  :stupid:

Quoted price was £520 not including the water pump.

Yesterday I got a voucher from them valid till August to get the belt changed for £299  :congrats:  Pump will be extra.

I believe the failure mode is that the impellers shear off the spindle, and there is a theory going about that the stress of detensioning and retensioning with a new belt is actually the prime culprit in causing this.  Thats why you should get a new pump with a new belt.

I got told this this week  4 years or 60k....
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: QD MBE on February 20, 2010, 05:49:37 pm

I believe the failure mode is that the impellers shear off the spindle, and there is a theory going about that the stress of detensioning and retensioning with a new belt is actually the prime culprit in causing this.  Thats why you should get a new pump with a new belt.


....That's what I was independently told and later confirmed by my friendly VW dealer.

Not sure about that.

I think the prime culprit is the hot and cold incessant cycle the plastic has to endure, which makes the plastic age harden and  brittle.  The Bearings would take the brunt of the De tensioning/Tensioning.

The impeller is on the shaft and unless the shaft has the capability to force the impeller to be stressed against the orifice it sits in, the the only forces the impeller is subject to is the rotational shear force the coolant can induce, and the afore mentioned H/C cycling.



Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: QD MBE on February 20, 2010, 05:51:47 pm
The De-tensioning and tensioning will produce leaks about the shaft seals, but not shear the impeller off.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: ub7rm on February 20, 2010, 07:02:07 pm

I believe the failure mode is that the impellers shear off the spindle, and there is a theory going about that the stress of detensioning and retensioning with a new belt is actually the prime culprit in causing this.  Thats why you should get a new pump with a new belt.


....That's what I was independently told and later confirmed by my friendly VW dealer.

Not sure about that.

I think the prime culprit is the hot and cold incessant cycle the plastic has to endure, which makes the plastic age harden and  brittle.  The Bearings would take the brunt of the De tensioning/Tensioning.

The impeller is on the shaft and unless the shaft has the capability to force the impeller to be stressed against the orifice it sits in, the the only forces the impeller is subject to is the rotational shear force the coolant can induce, and the afore mentioned H/C cycling.





Regarding the H/C cycle; there is some truth in what you say there, it contributes to the failure but is greatly accelerated by the new belt.  This isn't unique to VAG, its a common problem with most water pumps / engines.  The most common time for pump failure is shortly after the belt is changed. 

To be pedantic its the impeller that induces a force on the fluid, the fluid merely provides resistance.   :booty:

I suspect that the tensioing / retensioning causes the shaft and impeller to move slightly off centre which adversely changes the flow around the impeller, concentrating stresses where they are not designed to be and ultimately resulting in failure. 
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: RedRobin on February 20, 2010, 07:02:39 pm
^^^^
Ah, thanks for the correction, stokey  :happy2:

Either way, it's definitely advisable to change the water pump when changing the cambelt.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: Garth on February 20, 2010, 07:07:34 pm
Oh dear, I've done 66k (05 plate) and not had either cam belt or water pump replaced yet.

I just had a service last month and he dealer marked my water pump as 'orange' on the check list indicating that it is worn. They never mentioned the cam belt though.
I thought they were good for 80k?
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: QD MBE on February 20, 2010, 07:19:45 pm

I believe the failure mode is that the impellers shear off the spindle, and there is a theory going about that the stress of detensioning and retensioning with a new belt is actually the prime culprit in causing this.  Thats why you should get a new pump with a new belt.


....That's what I was independently told and later confirmed by my friendly VW dealer.

Not sure about that.

I think the prime culprit is the hot and cold incessant cycle the plastic has to endure, which makes the plastic age harden and  brittle.  The Bearings would take the brunt of the De tensioning/Tensioning.

The impeller is on the shaft and unless the shaft has the capability to force the impeller to be stressed against the orifice it sits in, the the only forces the impeller is subject to is the rotational shear force the coolant can induce, and the afore mentioned H/C cycling.





Regarding the H/C cycle; there is some truth in what you say there, it contributes to the failure but is greatly accelerated by the new belt.  This isn't unique to VAG, its a common problem with most water pumps / engines.  The most common time for pump failure is shortly after the belt is changed. 

To be pedantic its the impeller that induces a force on the fluid, the fluid merely provides resistance.   :booty:

I suspect that the tensioing / retensioning causes the shaft and impeller to move slightly off centre which adversely changes the flow around the impeller, concentrating stresses where they are not designed to be and ultimately resulting in failure. 


So the impeller is rotating as you as fit the belt?  It doesn't matter where the impeller sits within the void within the engine block, unless it touches the block, nothing will affect it.  Unless the seal is gapped, then you will get a leak, the pump will still be rotating.  The impeller will still be doing its job.

I have changed 2 VW water pumps recently, and both broke up and crumbled in my hands, the plastic has become very brittle due to H/C cycles, nothing to do with differing flows around it.

you are right, the fluid will induce a resistance to rotation, this is a shear force trying to twist the impeller off,  but I think we are talking about the same thing.  Tomatoes and red things!

in the pic below you can see the cracks and how aged, brittle and crumbly the plastic has become.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fforeignaffairs.us%2Fgallery%2Falbums%2Fuserpics%2F10001%2Fplastic%2520impeller.jpg&hash=3e8c15924b89cea220da5ab6da065f0fa09fa233)


Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: ub7rm on February 20, 2010, 07:34:21 pm

I believe the failure mode is that the impellers shear off the spindle, and there is a theory going about that the stress of detensioning and retensioning with a new belt is actually the prime culprit in causing this.  Thats why you should get a new pump with a new belt.


....That's what I was independently told and later confirmed by my friendly VW dealer.

Not sure about that.

I think the prime culprit is the hot and cold incessant cycle the plastic has to endure, which makes the plastic age harden and  brittle.  The Bearings would take the brunt of the De tensioning/Tensioning.

The impeller is on the shaft and unless the shaft has the capability to force the impeller to be stressed against the orifice it sits in, the the only forces the impeller is subject to is the rotational shear force the coolant can induce, and the afore mentioned H/C cycling.





Regarding the H/C cycle; there is some truth in what you say there, it contributes to the failure but is greatly accelerated by the new belt.  This isn't unique to VAG, its a common problem with most water pumps / engines.  The most common time for pump failure is shortly after the belt is changed. 

To be pedantic its the impeller that induces a force on the fluid, the fluid merely provides resistance.   :booty:

I suspect that the tensioing / retensioning causes the shaft and impeller to move slightly off centre which adversely changes the flow around the impeller, concentrating stresses where they are not designed to be and ultimately resulting in failure. 


So the impeller is rotating as you as fit the belt?  It doesn't matter where the impeller sits within the void within the engine block, unless it touches the block, nothing will affect it.  Unless the seal is gapped, then you will get a leak, the pump will still be rotating.  The impeller will still be doing its job.

I have changed 2 VW water pumps recently, and both broke up and crumbled in my hands, the plastic has become very brittle due to H/C cycles, nothing to do with differing flows around it.

you are right, the fluid will induce a resistance to rotation, this is a shear force trying to twist the impeller off,  but I think we are talking about the same thing.  Tomatoes and red things!

in the pic below you can see the cracks and how aged, brittle and crumbly the plastic has become.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fforeignaffairs.us%2Fgallery%2Falbums%2Fuserpics%2F10001%2Fplastic%2520impeller.jpg&hash=3e8c15924b89cea220da5ab6da065f0fa09fa233)




I'm not saying the pump is spinning when the belt is changed.  And its clear from that picture that H/C cycling is the cause!  But I believe the problem usually manifests itself after a belt change so the tensioing / detensioning has some effect - maybe the movement of the shaft is the final nail in the coffin.

I agree that the impeller will continue to operate if its off its axis slightly ain the way I'm suggesting, but this will definately change the stress distribution in the part and change the turbulence around the part.  I'm talking about the kind of change you would see if you did a CFD analysis - not something that will be immediately obvious...

Is that a VW part in the picture?
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: TagnuT on February 20, 2010, 08:50:23 pm

I believe the failure mode is that the impellers shear off the spindle, and there is a theory going about that the stress of detensioning and retensioning with a new belt is actually the prime culprit in causing this.  Thats why you should get a new pump with a new belt.


....That's what I was independently told and later confirmed by my friendly VW dealer.

Not sure about that.

I think the prime culprit is the hot and cold incessant cycle the plastic has to endure, which makes the plastic age harden and  brittle.  The Bearings would take the brunt of the De tensioning/Tensioning.

The impeller is on the shaft and unless the shaft has the capability to force the impeller to be stressed against the orifice it sits in, the the only forces the impeller is subject to is the rotational shear force the coolant can induce, and the afore mentioned H/C cycling.





Regarding the H/C cycle; there is some truth in what you say there, it contributes to the failure but is greatly accelerated by the new belt.  This isn't unique to VAG, its a common problem with most water pumps / engines.  The most common time for pump failure is shortly after the belt is changed. 

To be pedantic its the impeller that induces a force on the fluid, the fluid merely provides resistance.   :booty:

I suspect that the tensioing / retensioning causes the shaft and impeller to move slightly off centre which adversely changes the flow around the impeller, concentrating stresses where they are not designed to be and ultimately resulting in failure. 


So the impeller is rotating as you as fit the belt?  It doesn't matter where the impeller sits within the void within the engine block, unless it touches the block, nothing will affect it.  Unless the seal is gapped, then you will get a leak, the pump will still be rotating.  The impeller will still be doing its job.

I have changed 2 VW water pumps recently, and both broke up and crumbled in my hands, the plastic has become very brittle due to H/C cycles, nothing to do with differing flows around it.

you are right, the fluid will induce a resistance to rotation, this is a shear force trying to twist the impeller off,  but I think we are talking about the same thing.  Tomatoes and red things!

in the pic below you can see the cracks and how aged, brittle and crumbly the plastic has become.




Didn't the same thing happen on the MKIV? Wasn't the mod to change the water pump to one with metal impeller blades?

Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: QD MBE on February 20, 2010, 10:12:42 pm

I believe the failure mode is that the impellers shear off the spindle, and there is a theory going about that the stress of detensioning and retensioning with a new belt is actually the prime culprit in causing this.  Thats why you should get a new pump with a new belt.


....That's what I was independently told and later confirmed by my friendly VW dealer.

Not sure about that.

I think the prime culprit is the hot and cold incessant cycle the plastic has to endure, which makes the plastic age harden and  brittle.  The Bearings would take the brunt of the De tensioning/Tensioning.

The impeller is on the shaft and unless the shaft has the capability to force the impeller to be stressed against the orifice it sits in, the the only forces the impeller is subject to is the rotational shear force the coolant can induce, and the afore mentioned H/C cycling.





Regarding the H/C cycle; there is some truth in what you say there, it contributes to the failure but is greatly accelerated by the new belt.  This isn't unique to VAG, its a common problem with most water pumps / engines.  The most common time for pump failure is shortly after the belt is changed. 

To be pedantic its the impeller that induces a force on the fluid, the fluid merely provides resistance.   :booty:

I suspect that the tensioing / retensioning causes the shaft and impeller to move slightly off centre which adversely changes the flow around the impeller, concentrating stresses where they are not designed to be and ultimately resulting in failure. 


So the impeller is rotating as you as fit the belt?  It doesn't matter where the impeller sits within the void within the engine block, unless it touches the block, nothing will affect it.  Unless the seal is gapped, then you will get a leak, the pump will still be rotating.  The impeller will still be doing its job.

I have changed 2 VW water pumps recently, and both broke up and crumbled in my hands, the plastic has become very brittle due to H/C cycles, nothing to do with differing flows around it.

you are right, the fluid will induce a resistance to rotation, this is a shear force trying to twist the impeller off,  but I think we are talking about the same thing.  Tomatoes and red things!

in the pic below you can see the cracks and how aged, brittle and crumbly the plastic has become.




Didn't the same thing happen on the MKIV? Wasn't the mod to change the water pump to one with metal impeller blades?



Yes it did.

1.8T pump.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fv236%2FCluke%2FWaterpump.jpg&hash=2be91ae8c84d861406ef84fe36edbdc15ebd9409)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuk-mkivs.net%2Fphotos%2Fchrismanc%2Fimages%2F2056761%2F425x319.aspx&hash=5821354fda280aa147462e6665f78167126dd7b7)

Both changed at the same time as the cambelt, yet found in the condition above.  More threads.................

http://uk-mkivs.net/photos/chrismanc/picture2056761.aspx (http://uk-mkivs.net/photos/chrismanc/picture2056761.aspx)

http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/p/106809/731603.aspx#731603 (http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/p/106809/731603.aspx#731603)

http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/p/27510/240333.aspx#240333 (http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/p/27510/240333.aspx#240333)

All the above cars had pumps changed at the same time as their first timing belt, and all pump impellers were in very bad condition.  All the cars were on their first belt change, and mileage was between 20 and 50 (ish)K.  IMO noithing to do with a new belt, tensioning and de-tensioning as none of them had ever been given one.

Just my opinion, and happy to leave it there.

Cheers
 :happy2:
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: Tarmac_Terrorist on February 21, 2010, 12:27:59 pm
Interesting debate guys. At 7k miles, I'm still not conviced that I need a new pump. It's unlikely my pump will have suffered too much from the H/C cycle yet. I really can't see what a new pump would offer. I think if I had done 20k miles then I would go for it.

Still time to decide  :happy2:
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: RedRobin on February 21, 2010, 12:51:30 pm

Interesting debate guys. At 7k miles, I'm still not conviced that I need a new pump. It's unlikely my pump will have suffered too much from the H/C cycle yet. I really can't see what a new pump would offer. I think if I had done 20k miles then I would go for it.

Still time to decide  :happy2:


....Putting it into that context, I can see how changing the water pump might be unecessary. Pretty unusual to have only done 7k miles in the timeframe though.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: candy turbo on February 21, 2010, 01:04:11 pm
cambelt at 4 years regardless of mileage , if you dont do the pump you have the same costs as cam belt all over again when it does ! :happy2:
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: QD MBE on February 21, 2010, 01:42:04 pm
Irrespective of how many miles the pump has done, when you get the belt done, do the pump.  As CT alludes to, you will have to take the belt off again, and incur the same costs all over again.  Pump is small money compared to paying it all out gain.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: RedRobin on February 21, 2010, 03:58:51 pm
Irrespective of how many miles the pump has done, when you get the belt done, do the pump.  As CT alludes to, you will have to take the belt off again, and incur the same costs all over again.  Pump is small money compared to paying it all out gain.

....Good point  :happy2:
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: Tarmac_Terrorist on February 21, 2010, 10:29:32 pm
Yeah, I guess it's if my pump which has done 7k miles will do say another 8k - 10k miles over the next four years. I think VW guarantee new parts for 2 years right? Might get it done at the same time - the car is 4years old in May so will consider.

Thanks for the help / advice guys  :happy2:
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: Robert74 on February 25, 2010, 08:15:17 pm
My car is 4 years old in April and has done only 25k. My local dealer said the cam. belt needs to done because of the age but did not mention the water pump. The local Seat garage and a couple of VW/Audi specialist said the same but also said they recommend the water pump be changed at the same time. I am getting the cam. belt and pump done next week for £300 at AMD.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: Tarmac_Terrorist on April 30, 2010, 11:21:16 pm
Well, I decided to get the water pump changed as well as the cambelt & tensioner. The car is now 4 years old and just covered 7,338 miles from new. Nearly run in eh?!

I signed up to a 2 year servicing package (time & distance) a couple of months ago for £299. This also includes 2 MOT's too.

The work undertaken yesterday was:

Year 4 Time & Distance service (major service)
Brake fluid change
MOT
Cambelt, tensioner and water pump.

Total bill to me - £385 (basically just the belt & pump costs)

I supplied my own Castrol Longlife oil as my local dealer still uses the semi-synthetic crap for Tiime & Distance.

I only managed to drive her for 1130 miles in the last year  :surprised: Must try harder  :smiley:
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: RedRobin on May 01, 2010, 12:18:43 am

I only managed to drive her for 1130 miles in the last year  :surprised: Must try harder  :smiley:


....I just drove 1200 miles in 4 days last week.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FNurburgring2009%2FREDJIONHU.jpg&hash=24aa4cc06fe524e5f72762ac4c263f21c6b18b86)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FNurburgring2009%2FHurdyHannahRR.jpg&hash=3b482024056fda82404652b3bf897dd27fb92a66)

Changing the water pump when cambelt service is highly recommended  :happy2:

Hope to see you at Castle Combe sometime this summer  :drinking:
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: Poverty on May 01, 2010, 01:18:49 am
can water pumps be intermittent in operation?
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: bacillus on May 01, 2010, 10:33:22 am
can water pumps be intermittent in operation?

Hmm, the impeller is either spinning or not when the engine is running so no, the water pump shouldn't be intermittent in operation.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: RedRobin on May 01, 2010, 10:41:39 am
can water pumps be intermittent in operation?

Hmm, the impeller is either spinning or not when the engine is running so no, the water pump shouldn't be intermittent in operation.

....But there is a good reason which I've forgotten, for changing the water pump whenever the cambelt is changed. Perhaps Poverty was indirectly asking about that.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: Poverty on May 01, 2010, 11:29:35 am
Well the reason why I was asking is because my car intermittently lets the temp get up to 110c before the fans kick in. Its happened twice now after letting the car idle after a drive.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: winrya on May 01, 2010, 11:32:30 am
Guys my cambelt, tensioner and water pump is being changed in the next couple of weeks. Ive been asked if I want the 2 roller relays changed which add another £60 to the bill. Is this something others are changing or just leaving in place. I've hunted the Internet high and low and can't find an answer. Anyone have an invoice with the parts changed???

Many thanks,

Ryan

Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: Gene Hunt on May 01, 2010, 01:00:05 pm
Guys my cambelt, tensioner and water pump is being changed in the next couple of weeks. Ive been asked if I want the 2 roller relays changed which add another £60 to the bill. Is this something others are changing or just leaving in place. I've hunted the Internet high and low and can't find an answer. Anyone have an invoice with the parts changed???

Many thanks,

Ryan


..........i had them changed mate.
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: bacillus on May 01, 2010, 02:24:34 pm
Well the reason why I was asking is because my car intermittently lets the temp get up to 110c before the fans kick in. Its happened twice now after letting the car idle after a drive.

Could be a sticking thermostat....
Title: Re: Water Pump
Post by: andrewparker on May 01, 2010, 09:22:41 pm
I had a cambelt and water pump replacement a few weeks ago for £390 at VW Huddersfield. Car was near enough exactly 4 years old when the damned thing started squeaking!

Initially it was only booked in for the cambelt but apparently they found a leak from the water pump whilst sorting the cambelt. The suspicious side of me thinks this was a crafty upsell!