T5 Water Pump in R5 5cyl.TDI (discussion thread)

[blaast]

Looks like it is the water pump, as there is some 'milkiness' under the oil cap now.

I have been quoted $1000 at a VW specialist to have this repaired with an SKF water pump and using my own oil and coolant (purchased a while ago).
Is this reasonable?

I'm not sure if I have enough confidence to do this job myself, even though I am a DIYer.
In saying so, if I can do the job for under $500, then I would consider spending time to do it!
So, where would you recommend purchasing a water pump from, and what is the most reliable brand?
A special tool was also mentioned. Where can I get this?

Thanks again in advance for any advice.

[Transporter]

It depends what tools you have and how capable are you in improvising. Though be prepared to spend a day to do it, that’s what other DIYers said.

I did my first one in 2008, took me whole afternoon, but in the process I made my own special tools for the next time. The Continental would be my brand choice or better still check if there’s Mayle HD pump for the AXE engine.

[Rebuild]

IMO, the only special tool you need is a small bearing puller or slide hammer to pull the pump out.This is the only hard part of the operation.
And not to drop anything into the engine/gear train

Genuine VW pumps are $400+ , 2-3 hrs labour, so $600-800 total sounds reasonable to me, if you can't do it yourself.

edit:
ebay list an SKF pump VKPC 81420(not fully sure this is correct/check your engine code) for $220ish delivered, so i think 1K is even more OTT

https://www.ebay.com.au/p/244332380?iid=223333877095

I went with a Borg & Beck straight from Supercheaps

[Smithysmoo]

Hey people just a few questions...do you need to remove the dipstick tube(was mentioned in the guide on brick yard but I can't see why it's needed) and is it essential to drain the coolant housing...

I've come to do the job on mine but because I have a 4motion it's impossible to see these bits underneath the 4motion kit is in the way...i can't even find the drain...im going to get a mirror see if I can see from the top.

Cheers mine is a 2009 bnz engine on 118k on the original...was just doing as preventative not losing anything. What's everybody suggest...thanks..

[Rebuild]

A while since i did mine.
i think i removed the dipstick tube, to make it easier.
IIRC there is a 6 or 8mm allen key bolt at the back of the pump housing that may be for draining.I never tried it, didn't see it first up, so just removed the lower rad hose and thermostat.
You will need to change the engine oil too.

[Smithysmoo]

A while since i did mine.
i think i removed the dipstick tube, to make it easier.
IIRC there is a 6 or 8mm allen key bolt at the back of the pump housing that may be for draining.I never tried it, didn't see it first up, so just removed the lower rad hose and thermostat.
You will need to change the engine oil too.

Cheers mate thats ace...Yes I can't see any reason it can't be done with the dipstick tube in situ it doesn't seem to get in the way of anything on mine and like I say seems impossible to get to the end of it on a 4motion. Yes I had planned to change the engine oil as well so if some coolant gets in there it should be drained off with the oil. I will look up the position of the thermostat only I hadn't seen to take this out before.

Just trying to get all the info before I tackle it...

[Umai Naa!!]

Thermostat is on the back of the motor, roughly below the brake master cylinder.

[Smithysmoo]

I'll have a look thanks...

[sanderm2]

Hi all, Just about to put a new pump in my BNZ and wondering why you need to put it to TDC ? Last one I changed was on an AXE and I didn't do it for that one.
Cheers

[Rebuild]

AFAIK, the BNZ is still a 5cyl 2.5, yes? If so, TDC shouldn't matter
Is this TDC info from an official VW service book or similar?

[sanderm2]

I believe its in the literature, also part of the pump tool kit is for setting TDC. I didn't do it last time so can't see how it would be different from the AXE.

[Greg Roles]

It can't matter, the forever spinning pump doesn't care what the cam or crank is doing, but I did the step anyway....too much voodoo curse in this engine already......

[sanderm2]

Yea, that Voodoo just got me with a stripped spline bolt on the pump. It's going to take a lot of patience and swearing to get this pump out

[Greg Roles]

Yeah you gotta love the random mix of triple square, torx and hex on this engine. All the bolts are full of crap by now, and it's often a lucky dip as to what it might be on the back of the engine by feel....

Enjoy your adventure, I know your pain.