Water pump

[Snooze]

My cambelt was replaced in March 2010 before I purchased the car from the VW garage on 51k miles, but im not too sure if the water pump was changed.  Its getting MOT'd tomorrow so I will ask them then, mileage is now 59k.  If the water pump hasn't been done I should get it done right?

[bacillus]

The water pump is only changed as a precaution when the cam belt is done as the old pump tends to fail shortly after the belt is changed.

In your case I would leave things as they are and hope the pump, if not changed, doesn't fail.

[Snooze]

Cheers dude.  I went to VW garage today and they said they checked the water pump when they changed the cam belt.  It was fine so didnt need changing.  They said it will need checking again at its next service, which is due next month.

[ub7rm]

No they won't - to check the water pump they will have to take the timing belt off again - its a lot of labour and I can guarantee you they will not just 'check' it during a routing service.

As said most people get it changed as a preventative measure during the timing belt change as its very easy to do once that side of the engine is stripped and the timing belt is off.  Its 5 mins extra labour and about £35 for the part so cost effective.

Its not cost effective to change now as it would mean about £200 - £300 worth of labour (assuming stealer) plus you would probably be advised to change the tensioner on the timing belt again - even more cash.

Its now a case of 'if it aint broke don't fix it'.  Don't worry about it either, they can fail but it usually just after the timing belt has been done or at about 80 / 100k miles.  You've passed the first hurdle so probably safe for a good while yet.

[Snooze]

Oh right.  Thanks for the info ub7rm.  Guess ill just have to keep my fingers crossed then!