MK7 Golf GTI Coolant Leak

[stellio78]

Hi all,

Coolant level has dropped a few times and I finally had time to investigate. Looks like the coolant is leaking from where the lower radiator hose (Part# 5Q0122051B) attaches to the engine.

Attachment plate looks like it bolts onto the block with 3 torx screws and I'm guessing there is an O-ring between that is leaking.

Or am I incorrect and this is a common leak coming from elsewhere?

Is there a recommended site that I can use to look up to see how this is assembled and what part numbers I will need to order? (illustrated parts catalog)

Hope you guys can help.

Cheers, Stellio

[gregozedobe]

Most coolant leaks I've read about were coming from the thermostat/water pump housing. Could it be seeping down from there on your car ?

[stellio78]

Ok, thanks for that info. I’ll have another look

[stellio78]

Alright. So after some searching I see I'm going to be needing quite a few parts to repair this leak.

Am I just going direct to my local VW dealer for parts or is there a better option people are using?

Will be needing thermostat housing, water pump, water pump union seal and probably a few more parts once I research the job more.

Thanks for any help.

[h100vw]

Vagparts. You need a water pump there.

[Lucas_R]

Here is the link to a new water pump and thermostat assembly. If you are going to do the repair yourself then this is what you need + new coolant.

The repair is not an easy one as the waterpump is buried under the inlet manifold.

Audi 8V & Volkswagen MK7 - MQB EA888.3 - Water Pump /Thermostat Bundle
– VAGPARTS Australia

[Sharkie]

Take your MK7 to a VW dealer and ask for a warranty repair. They do waterpumps and ancillaries as goodwill warranty repairs as it is a VERY common problem. Well documented on the Net and if they push back (which they shouldn't) drop the words ACCC and "it is reasonable to expect that a waterpump will last more than (INSERT the age of your car here) years."

Had our MK7.5 TSI done after the factory warranty (3yrs and the issue was at 3yrs and 3 months) expired under that and my MK7.5 R just had it done after 3 years and 2 months(5 yr warranty though).

the moment a metal pump comes out, I'm fitting that ....

[stellio78]

Thanks for the info guys.

Regarding getting it repaired under warranty, my car is 6.5 years old and I haven’t been back to the dealer for the last 3 years so is there any chance they will fix it under this poor designed part warranty?

[stellio78]

Gave them a call, they will inspect and submit a report for a good will repair with VW Australia.

Won’t be till mid January, I’ll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again

[stellio78]

Also from people’s experience, do the new revised parts stop this leaking issue for good or will I be fixing this again in a few years?

[Sharkie]

Also from people’s experience, do the new revised parts stop this leaking issue for good or will I be fixing this again in a few years?

Plan on doing it every 3-4 years .... the plastic pumps and components just don't last. The MK6s had metal replacements eventually which lasts well, I'm hoping a metal replacement comes out for the Mk7s soon.

[Sharkie]

Gave them a call, they will inspect and submit a report for a good will repair with VW Australia.

Won’t be till mid January, I’ll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again

The good thing is that this inspection can be done visually without the need for a "quote" or an inspection cost upfront 1st. Free inspection that will hopefully result in a free fix. Also, they don't care where its been serviced provided it has all its scheduled services.

[stellio78]

Thanks mate, it would really be great if that was the result.

[stellio78]

So just some feedback for other experiencing the same problem.
I made my first booking to have the car looked at with a 3 week wait only to have the dealership cancel on me the day before due to lack of mechanics.
While I was organizing my next booking with another 3 weeks wait time I asked a few questions and was told if VW Australia rejected the goodwill warranty work I would be charged around $200 for a diagnostic fee.
I decided to ordered the parts from VAGPARTS and did the job myself with the help of the youtube video from Don't Overpay for a MK7 Waterpump/Thermostat Housing and How to do it Yourself - YouTube
$685 later in parts/coolant and a few days of my time the job is done and everything looks to be back to normal.
Thanks for the help guys.

[amunra]

does anyone know whats best to use on the waterpump union tube (to oil)... installed a replacement waterpump the other day and thought it was all gravy but after about 15 - 20 mins of letting the car run it leaking like crazy and making some crazy hissing sound like a hose or something has come loose possibly the union is not sitting properly.. had some pressure spraying and steam / water coming from that area... i used a bit of coolant on the o-ring in the union like ive seen on a video / thread somewhere but am seeing sillicone lubricant grease or even sealant is best.