Has anyone changed the water pump and thermostat housing themselves?

[Paul70]

My coolant level is creeping down to the minimum and I get a waft of warm coolant getting in and out of the car, so time to replace.

Has anyone completed this at home?

[Paul70]

FCP Euro do a good video taking you through the steps - does t seem that bad - just need to invest in a view tools

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-replace-water-pump-thermostat-housing-mk7-vw-gti-beetle-jetta-macan

[clubsport]

I haven't changed mine, but there are plenty of Youtube videos detailing the replacement from the likes of deutche autoparts.

On my previous mk7 GTi PP, I had them changed at a VW main dealer as I started to get warning lights.

I am intrigued, are you able to keep on top of this by actively topping up the coolant level?

Obviously it won't fix itself, unfprtunately.

What is the mileage on your CS when this started to happen, just so I can prepare myself.

[Paul70]

46K but it’s been leaking for a while. I have been actively topping up and I’ve used 500ml in 6 months but as you say, it won’t fix itself.

I can manage the coolant loss at this level but it has got worse over the last 2 to 3 weeks.

Would be good to know experiences, can a small leak become a catastrophic failure or will the leak just get progressively worse?

[ianr8]

I replaced my thermostat and pump approx 2 years ago with genuine vw parts. Likewise I did lots of research on the web.

From what I recall it took me a couple of goes to get the short plastic pipe (approx 2 inches long) to seat correctly but it's obvious if it isn't. Can't recall any other significant problems. New belt went on fine. I think I gave myself half a day to do it.

I am lucky as I've got a large air compressor so I could vacuum the coolant lines prior to refilling so that part was easy for me.

Hope that helps. Any queries and I'll try and help.

O and yes, it hasn't leaked since.