Cam Belt change at 40,000 km?

[MelbMan]

I wouldn't recomend it as DIY. Would always suggest that you replace the tensioner and the water pump with the timing belt, so it's not a $50 DIY job.

My wifes MK 5 Golf (Nov 2004 delivery) is just coming up to 90,000km. The local specialist says he's never heard of a belt going but basically it's up to us. He says 90,000km is what VW recommend.

Regarding the water pump I can see Transporters post suggesting this be done at the same time... is this a "while you are in there" sort of job. Does anyone know the service life of a waterpump, are there any special improved ones (lots of makes you hear about water pumps with plastic parts and some which are metal). About what price is a new water pump for the part only?

If we get the cam belt done between normal services does the oil have to be dropped from the engine?

My wife is pretty attached to this car. I've been suggesting a trade up to a Polo GTI or similar.

Thanks
John

[Transporter]

My wifes MK 5 Golf (Nov 2004 delivery) is just coming up to 90,000km. The local specialist says he's never heard of a belt going but basically it's up to us. He says 90,000km is what VW recommend.

Regarding the water pump I can see Transporters post suggesting this be done at the same time... is this a "while you are in there" sort of job. Does anyone know the service life of a waterpump, are there any special improved ones (lots of makes you hear about water pumps with plastic parts and some which are metal). About what price is a new water pump for the part only?

If we get the cam belt done between normal services does the oil have to be dropped from the engine?

My wife is pretty attached to this car. I've been suggesting a trade up to a Polo GTI or similar.

Thanks
John

It is easy to replace the water pump when the timing belt is off and it most likely would start to leak coolant before you need the next timing belt, if you don't change it. You will also need the coolant with the pump and you don't need to have the engine oil changed while replacing the timing belt.