cam belt change,should i have the water pump changed ?

[boycey19690]

Hi All, Ive only 30000 miles on my Golf Gti but the cars 5 years old so im told by my Vw dealer my cam belt is well overdue.There never used to be a time limit on cam belts a few years ago it was always on the milage so although i dont really think it needs changing yet im going to have it done because i love the car and plan it keep it for a few years.The question i would like some advice on is do i pay £319 for the cam belt or £399 for the belt and the water pump?
Any advice would be much appreciated
Thanks

[radox]

Personally I'd just get the cam belt changed. My 1.9 TDI has just had it's third cam belt fitted in nearly 7 years and 125,000 miles and its still on the original water pump.

I checked with my dealer last time if they recommended changing the water pump at the same time and they gave me the impression that this wasn't necessary. Of course they could have just been drumming up more business for themselves in a few months time ;-)

Stuart
http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5

[onzarob]

Yes, the water pump change is recommended as it's driven by the cambelt. If it fails it will take the engine with it! So a cheap insurance cost of a new pump as the labours been paid for changing the belt.

[phil miller]

as above id change it, many years ago i bought a calibra (it was 3 yrs old) i changed the belt and 3 weeks later the water pump started making a noise so i had to do it all again, ever since then ive always replaced water pumps when doing cam belt changes, altho volvo D5 water pumps dont leak

[boycey19690]

Thanks for all your advice, i will probably have them both done for peace of mind then i can forget about them for the next 4 years at least.

[nc7503]

why cant vw make there cambelt intervals longer? fords are ten years or 100k whatevers first had a new belt on my jetta last year no water pump tho

[boycey19690]

Personally i think they only brought in the 4 year cam belt change because they were missing out on people with low millage.I would be very suprised if the belt was worn, but when the dealer keeps telling me its overdue it does play on your mind a bit.