water pump change 2001 130 tdi

[oxoboy]

Planning a day in the garage this weekend to put right an overheating problem occuring >70mph. replacing the water pump (& belt & tensioner while there), anything I should know about accessing the pump and making the switch?
I've changed the belt previously, so should be able to recall the steps this far, but a bit of forewarning would be much appreciated

[clint]

pump is easy peasy,only 3 bolts to remove,lube up the new o ring and pull new pump back in with the bolts

[LJW61]

Mines booked in for a belt change, should I change the pump too? If so is there a reccomended brand of water pump - or a type to avoid?

[daveo138]

The only problem I had was bleeding the cooling system afterwards. I think there's still some air in there now.

LJW - Definitely worth changing the pump while the belt is being replaced, considering the small additional cost.

[JayB5UK]

Genuine pump is only something like £36. Stick to VW.

[Crasher]

I would second that over a VAG pump, if it fails within 2 years they will do the work.

[xpro]

if you are buying aftermarket pump.make sure to buy one with the steel impeller as they should be good,not cheapy plastic ones

[LJW61]

various motor factors near me are offering pumps around the £30-40 mark..Trouble is unless I go in and see 'em I wont know if they are metal or plastic..Its impossible to get the price of a genuine Vw pump online..
2 days left...Panicking....

[xpro]

i did my timing belt and w pump yesterday,and i used steel water pump and continental belt.I got the stuff from GSF.will let you know in the morning the brand of the pump i used

[Crasher]

There is nothing wrong with the plastic impeller pump; in fact it is apparently there for a very good technical reason. Should the engines coolant become frozen (for whatever reason), if you start the engine with frozen coolant and a plastic impeller, the impeller will break off but if the impeller is steel, it will tear the timing belts teeth off. For cars used in extremely cold climates, even antifreeze may not stop the coolant freezing so externally powered block heaters are used. If the power to the block heater fails, the coolant may freeze so the plastic impeller protects the timing belt/engine. That is what I was told anyway.