water pump bad @30K, must remove timeing belt idler?

JRM · Post by **JRM** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 9:30 pm

Today I set out to throw a new water pump in my golf as the old one gave up at 30k and I budgeted around 2 hours for this, am I correct that I must remove the timeing belt idler? If so any quick tips to make this go faster?

kevin g · Post by **kevin g** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:34 pm

Is this the 85 golf? 1.6l? If so, you shouldn't have to remove the timing belt idler. But one of the bolts on the water pump is tricky to get at but it can be done. Or are you talking about a serpentine belt? Because then im pretty sure you would have to release the tension on the belt to access the pump bolts

82vdub · Post by **82vdub** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:37 pm

If it's the old 1.6 version, if you want to change just the water pump, I believ the intermediate shaft pully must come off. The other method is to remove the pump and housing as one piece, then change the pump and reinstall. If you've got AC and even if you don't, getting at those two bolts just under the IP will give your mind a good whirl at coming up with a solution. Also, if you didn't use stainless steel or other steel type bolts when the pump was installed to the housing last time, if they're the cheap aluminum bolts, they will likely shear the heads off when trying to get them undone. This almost necessitates the removal of the housing to remove the remaining studs, or to install a new housing. Something to know before you start on the job.

coke · Post by **coke** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 11:30 pm

I did the water pump on the older 1.6's. Its easier to remove the timing belt and intermediate shaft pulley and then reset the timing when your done.

JRM · Post by **JRM** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 12:21 am

Yes, its on my 85' 1.6 that im working on and pulling the intermediate shaft pully is what I was affraid of, so much for my 2 hours i had in mind. Luckly when I put the new pump in back in 2004 i used alot of anti sieze on the bolts

so at 30k should i also replace the timeing belt or is it rated 120k like my civic? Its a OEM belt from jack
thanks, Joe

coke · Post by **coke** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 12:27 am

Well, if it has 30k on it, you might as well replace it now.

Peace of mind.

82vdub · Post by **82vdub** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:16 am

coke wrote:Well, if it has 30k on it, you might as well replace it now.

Peace of mind.

X2. Might as well since you can take the same labor to install one that's 50% used up, or put one on that's good for another 60k. Don't forget to replace the tensioner as well.

VW Jon · Post by **VW Jon** » Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:28 am

If you remove the entire waterpump with housing there is absolutely no need to remove the timing belt or the intermediate shaft pulley. Why make extra work for yourself?