GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: VWRed on 19 January 2022, 18:51
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Following a major service, my local VW dealership has today quoted me £827.75 to supply/fit a new 'Coolant - Thermostat Housing'. Although I've had no visible coolant leaks, never had to fill the coolant level over the past 12 months and no dash warnings, the dealership technician noted signs of a leak and thus the quote for repair. With this in mind, should I have a new Water Pump fitted and is this price reasonable? I live close to Brighton if anyone out there knows of a decent mechanic that could do the job cheaper!
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It’s a really common fault. Can you smell coolant when the engine is up to temp? Lift the bonnet and have a sniff. The coolant housing has been modified by VW although they won’t admit there was an issue with the original part.
I have just paid a local independent to replace the housing, water pump, belt, coupling hose and software update. Just over £700 inc the VAT.
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Haven't done a sniff test but good advice, will do. I guess if it hasn't been changed in the past it's worth getting done, even if there's no sign of leaks happening at the moment? I'm guessing the 'signs of leak' the dealership are stating may be stains of a slight weep that has 'crusted up'? Either way, the quote does seem high doesn't it!
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Dealer prices are a rip off. I had mine done for half that price by a good local independent.
Saying that unless you are losing coolant I would not worry about it as like oil a tiny drop leaves a tell tale sign that looks worse than it is.
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i had the same issue on my mk7.5 golf R, apparently it was a known issue that has been addressed now. i was told that it should be fine to drive as long as i kept a close eye on the coolant level. Luckily, i had extended my warranty so only paid a £200 excess to get it done. Another problem, known by VW, was a fault with the early 7 speed dsg box, which was addressed in October 2017. My car is April 2017 and i suffered a catastrophic gearbox failure last year that required a full replacement…thank goodness for that extended warranty!
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Thank goodness for the extended warranty indeed, what would that have cost without the warranty! This morning I got a quote from a local independent garage for the water pump - £420 inc vat supplied and fitted. However, this is for a non OEM part. Does anyone know the part number for the part that a VW dealership would fit? With the part being one you don't want to fail again anytime soon, should I go for the genuine part as opposed to third party?
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i can’t recall the part number and i don’t have the invoice to hand, but it was about £950 - the gearbox was £6500!!!!
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Ouch!!! A gearbox failure is a definite shake of the head and a very deep dig into the pockets!
Having had a few more quotes, it appears the quote of £420 was too good to be true, they'd just quoted for the water pump! However, just received a quote of £763 inc vat supply/fit from a reputable local VW specialist, looks like I'll be booking it in there. There is a temptation to just ignore it, as from the good old VW technician iPhone video you get whilst they're doing the service, it appears to be a very minor damp area around the unit and I've never had to fill the coolant in the past year. Still, now it's been officially highlighted as a 'leak' I'd kick myself if ever it completely gave way and if ever I sell my beloved GTi, it'd make the car more appealing to any potential buyer.
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Very apt post...
I've just got my car back today after having the thermostat housing replaced FOC under the cars original warranty.
After it's second service the tech had filled the expansion tank to just above the max line, since then I've been watching it slowly go down so when it got to about 10mm below the max line I booked it in.
Got a call yesterday to say the thermostat needed to be replaced.
I did take out the extended warranty when I bought the car to cover this very issue as it was the one thing I read about.
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Thought I'd add these two photos to this thread as well as 'My Precious'. From getting under the car to take a look myself, I could see some slight 'red crust' around one of the screws which indicates it's probably leaked at some point, albeit very minor. Guessing a leak's a leak however minor, one to keep an eye on!?
(https://i.postimg.cc/CLQj1pGv/Water-Pump-Post-Clean.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GHvB7NSY)
(https://i.postimg.cc/VL6qmkCr/Water-Pump-Pre-Clean.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Rqk6T9G4)
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Wouldn't worry about that at all. Thinking about it though, I would ask as it is a know problem why are they wanting to be charging you for the repair. Maybe have a moan on Twitter or Facebook as VW UK do not like negativity and may get the Main Stealer to do it free. :wink:
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Reading about the thermostat/water pump issue, it looks like if the car's out or warranty then it's down to the owner to foot the bill, even if it is a known issue. Think it's worth an email to the dealership to ask why they flagged my NSF damper as leaking and needing repair, and front brakes requiring urgent repair on their 'vehicle health check', but not even an advisory noted on the MOT which was also done by them on the same day :wink:
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Reading about the thermostat/water pump issue, it looks like if the car's out or warranty then it's down to the owner to foot the bill, even if it is a known issue. Think it's worth an email to the dealership to ask why they flagged my NSF damper as leaking and needing repair, and front brakes requiring urgent repair on their 'vehicle health check', but not even an advisory noted on the MOT which was also done by them on the same day :wink:
Why bother? Just move on and find a garage you can trust.
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Have been searching the internet for an answer around this.. I've just had my major service on my 7.5 GTi and have been given the samee unfortunate news that there's sign of a leak.. When speaking to the guys at Lookers Battersea (who from my experience have always provided a 10/10 service), they've advised it's most likely either the water pump or thermostat housing or both..
Looking for any solutions, tips, or trusted specialists in London before I take the £800+ I'm reading about...
Thanks!
Absolutely love the car for the 4 years I've owned it
(https://i.postimg.cc/BQVvL18B/Golf.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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Also on this worth noting always get whoever does it to change pump and thermostat housing my dealer did just the housing under warranty and when I question led why they hadn't change both he said the pump was fine.
Then a few months later pump started leaking think its so they can just charge vw 2 lots of labour!