Water pump failure

**Zub** · 02-08-2009,11:04 PM

Sorry I have no idea what type it was, I got a VW specialist to do it for me.

**Laurie2212** · 03-08-2009,01:43 PM

Originally Posted by mickel2

Hi all, i have a 2001 Passat tdi sports estate, i bought the car privately 3 years ago when the vehicle had done 87,526 miles. It had the service history as it was an ex reps car. At 60,000 the cambelt was changed by VW garage.
At 103,000 the water pump failed without warning as i pulled away from the traffic lights, being a mechanic i regularly check fluid levels and no sign of coolant loss. It was stripped down by a pro engine rebuilder and the pump itself had fallen to bits. This bent all the valves, camfollowers, hydraulic lifters, crankshaft pulley ( damaged by the bearings falling out and going round with the cambelt) The local Scoda was VW agent says the pumps are good for 150,000 plus miles. Would i have any claim against VW, my man is keeping all the parts removed. Mike

Hi

I had my cambelt changed at 112,000 and the Skoda dealer strongly advised that the water pump and the main drive belts were replaced at the same time due to the work involved - he advised me that it was not policy, just good practice. I took his advice as I had a minor water leak and wanted to rule out the pump. They also suggested (upon stripdown) that the alternator tensioner should be replaced as it was worn out - altogether £500!

Hope you get sorted!

**Crasher** · 03-08-2009,01:50 PM

Unless I am allowed to change the pump, I will not even do the job. Typically they are £35 genuine VAG and so not changing it is stupid. No way are they good for 150k miles, the Skoda dealer was completely in the wrong saying that.

**mickel2** · 03-08-2009,03:31 PM

Thanks for the replies. I phoned Audi today and asked if they advise customers to change the pump as well and they said yes. I said they should make it mandatory at the cambelt change for the price of a pump. Audi are doing a special price at the moment for cambelt change approx £340!!!

**limecc** · 10-08-2009,08:16 PM

Originally Posted by mickel2

Thanks for the replies. I phoned Audi today and asked if they advise customers to change the pump as well and they said yes. I said they should make it mandatory at the cambelt change for the price of a pump. Audi are doing a special price at the moment for cambelt change approx £340!!!

Vgood. My recent pump/cambelt was £560 (3.5hrs labour + parts) although it is a V6 unit.