QLD New to WC.org.au + Water Pump Question

[Silva-Jetta]

Firstly, just a quick post to say hi to all at WC.org.au.

Now, while I have the floor, I do have a question.

I have a Mark V Jetta TDI. Just want to know if there is any official VW recommendation to have the water pump replaced at 105,000 kms.

My local dealer did not do it at my 105,000 service (6th July 2009) and now at 112,650 kms (13th Jan 2010) guess what happened!!!

I can confirm that the Timing Belt was changed at 105,000. After reading the VW of Aust Group "Service Schedule - Passenger Vehicles" check sheet (this is attached to each and every service work invoice) the TB change is the only "official" additional requirerment at 105,000 kms. There is no mention of the water pump. Ever.

The Jetta happend to be too far from home when the water pump failed. Hence RACQ towed the car to a different Dealer. Service manager a this particular dealership mentioned that they always replaced the water pump whenever the TB needed to be replaced. Called my local service guy. He said that's not correct.

I Just want to know what's the official VW line on this subject? (is there anyone connected with VW in Aust reading this forum that could perhaps answer this Q ?)

[Jmac]

Most techs including myself fit a new pump as a rule, as its well known that the impeller lets go, and whilst you are in there doing a belt its 3 extra bolts to do the pump. Ive had one lately that had been the dealer nameless and they said they checked it and it wasnt leaking, yep that was right bu the impeller was cracked and guess what it let go. At the dealer when its timing belt interval time they are supplied the timing belt in kit form which comprises the belt, tensioners and relay rollers for that engine. No water pump, so its really down to the individual doing the job to call pump. Any engine on ANY car nowadays if timing belt driven makes sense to do the pump whilst you are there as it takes long enough to strip it down to that stage in the 1st place. Try watch a bricklayer build a wall and then you come along and tear it down for him to build again same deal.
My 2c
Jmac

[Silva-Jetta]

Most techs including myself fit a new pump as a rule............., so its really down to the individual doing the job to call pump.

It would have been good to give the car owner the option to go for the pump change. I did not get the option. If I had, I would have recognised the advantage and would have said yes.

[JustCruisn]

Water pump on my Mk4 always fails before the belt needs replacing. 1st went at 65K then again at 124K.

[Silva-Jetta]

Water pump on my Mk4 always fails before the belt needs replacing. 1st went at 65K then again at 124K.

Thanks for the heads up. Based on mine lasting just over 100kms, it seems that this will be a regular thing. I have seen some web info about swapping the pump for an aftermarket version with a metallic impeller (oem unit is plastic I believe).

Anyone got any thoughts on this?

Also my apologies, I forgot to thank jmac for his 2 cents. Info was quite helpful.