MK4 GTI timing belt tensioner, water pump lower damper

[firemont40stn]

I am just about to replace T belt on my GTI I assume its best to replace tensioner and the water pump at the same time ? any tricks or suprises in this work ??

[Manaz]

I am just about to replace T belt on my GTI I assume its best to replace tensioner and the water pump at the same time ? any tricks or suprises in this work ??

Yep, best to do them all together. Make sure you get a water pump with a metal impeller (you'll probably find the plastic impeller on the stock item is significantly worn out when you remove it - the plastic deteriorates with time/use).

[Umai Naa!!]

Definately do them all at the same time.

In regards to the water pump, it's the different expansion rates between plastic and steel under temperature. The knurled part of the water pump shaft expands more than the plastic impeller, which leads to the impeller cracking, and eventually falling off.

[gavs]

I bought the kit from ultra cheap auto parts, that has the belt, tensioner and seal for around the $150 delivered. Then you will need to source a water pump....