Circulating the coolant through the cooling system is the main function of an Vw water pump. The water pump driven by the timing belt, circulates the coolant throughout the engine by centrifugal action of a finned impeller on the Vw water pump shaft. As the engine runs, the timing belt revolves around the Vw water pump pulley, rotating the water pump impeller which is within the cooling system, causing the the coolant to circulate.

Where the Vw water pump was once a commodity product, it is now considered to be a crucial technical component of coolant and engine systems. In the course of engine development, the engineer's primary target is to achieve the BEST engine performance and efficiency. In order to accomplish this, the water pump needs to produce and maintain precise coolant circulation rates. These rates sustain optimal engine temperature, fuel economy, and emissions.

Although there has been major focus put on the water pump impeller (see detailed Vw Water Pump Impeller Controversy), it is the internal bearings and seals that contribute to an Vw water pumps life span. Some aftermarket manufacturers don't use the OEM designed water pump bearings and seals. If your Vw model is designed to use specific water pump components, replacing them with ones of differing geometries, material, weight, shape, or profile will negatively affect the intended performance and reliability of your car. Blauparts only supplies the highest quality Vw water pumps that are manufactured using the OEM design and components (i.e. internal bearings, seals, impeller).

Blauparts supplies water pumps that use the OEM design. Including genuine OEM heavy duty bearings and seals (see Vw water pump diagrams). These pumps are individually tested using specific sealing porosity tests, involving resistance of the flange/pulley and impeller to axial movement. What does all this mean? Significantly greater reliability over other aftermarket pumps! This trusted company is the OEM (original equipment manufacture) for BMW, Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat, and Ford (Europe). One more reason to look to Blauparts for all your Vw timing belt maintenance needs!

Correct installation is the biggest contributing factor in an Vw water pump's life span. Do you expect your water pump to last 60,000 to 90,000? When performing this crucial engine maintenance, it's important to take the time to re-create your engines condition as it was when it left the factory line. You can not be lazy when it comes to timing belt and Vw water pump replacement! Cutting corners now adds time, labor, and money later. See our Blauparts' Vw water pump replacement 'Service Bulletin'.

Wondering if it's time to change your Vw water pump? It is important to follow the vehicle manufacturer's water pump replacement schedule. As a general rule, timing belt and Vw water pump replacement should be done every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. An Vw water pump provides reliable service and is typically a maintenance free part within it's suggested life span. Since the water pump is a key component of the cooling system, changing it at the specified service interval is very important. Replacing the Vw water pump during a timing belt change is recommended. Remember that the timing belt and water pump work closely together (timing belt runs the water pump) and have a similar life cycle. Vw water pump failure symptoms are often seen around timing belt replacement intervals. This is why Blauparts only sells the water pump in a complete Vw timing belt kit.

The older a vehicle gets (i.e. over 100,000 miles), regular inspection of the Vw cooling system becomes a more essential part of preventative maintenance. Checking the radiator, expansion tank, hoses and connections is often associated with high mileage engines.

This is a basic overview of how to replace an Vw water pump and timing belt. The location of the water pump on most engines is directly behind the timing belt on the front side of the engine. Vw inline mounted engines have to be put into the service position first. When the front bumper is removed, special tools are used to support the radiator valance, enabling the valance to slide out about 6-8 inches. The whole front of the engine is then accessible for repair. For transverse mounted Vw engines, the front of the engine is accessed through the passenger side wheel well and over the fender.

Remove all serpentine belt(s) and accessory belt components. Remove all timing belt covers. Set engine timing. Utilizing special factory tools that lock the crankshaft and camshaft in place is a crucial part of the replacement process. When this is complete, all the timing belt components, water pump, and thermostat can be replaced. Replace the timing belt, tensioners, idlers, tensioner damper, as well as any seals showing signs of leakage. All of the timing belt components including the water pump have a similar service life of 60-90k and should be replaced at the same time.

The typical Vw timing belt replacement service takes between 6-10 hours of labor, dependent on vehicle engine and condition. The Vw water pump replacement cost will depend on each repair shop's hourly labor rate. When replacing an Vw water pump or timing belt, always refer to and follow the factory Robert Bentley manual. Blauparts recommends having an 'Audi Vw Factory Trained ASE Certified Technician' install your parts.

Installation Note: During Vw water pump and thermostat replacement, the coolant system needs to be thoroughly flushed (no short cuts). Thoroughly flushing the coolant involves flushing the engine block, radiator, and heater core. See the 'How to prevent your water pump from premature failure and leaking' page and Blauparts' Vw water pump replacement 'Service Bulletin' for details.

Please see the 'How to prevent your water pump from premature failure and leaking' page for some important DOs and DONTs of Vw water pump replacement.