Advice on water pump

[somedude]

Good day,


I plan to remove the intake manifold to clean carbon deposits.
This is a ‘12 Tiguan 5N CCTA, over 110k miles, but I intend to keep it for as long as it makes sense. Just did timing chains a couple of weeks ago.
There are no signs of water pump failure, but given the age/mileage and horror stories on the web, since I am removing the intake, I though it would be a good idea.

I would like some validation, if that’s OK.

Also, I am inclined to spend the money and get the VW pump, though other options, like an all-aluminum pump being available, or an impeller only part.
Other manufacturers have better priced offerings, but I’m not sure whether to trust them. Graf, for example, there are reports of failure after 30k.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DrPeter]

Hello,

I use the saying, "Might as well" more often than I would like, well more often than my wife likes.

But, if you have the intake off, you plan on keeping the vehicle, "You might as well" replace the water pump unit and also replace the little belt and the cross tube with o-rings!

There are many reputable places that sell the 'kits', just be sure to buy a quality brand name one as they are plastic and you do (most of the time) get what you pay for. You could even go to the dealer and buy genuine VAG parts.

I have mixed feelings about the 'all' metal units. If the original one lasted this long, well so should a new one from the dealer.


Hope this helps,

drpeter

 

[somedude]

Thank you, Doc.

Yes, I might as well, as you said.
I plan to spend the extra dough for the VW part, get a new Conti belt, and likely do the thermostat as the same time (VW).
I have to research the “cross tube” you mentioned, I am not aware of it.
Edit: I think it’s the short tube with two o-rings on it.

Thank you very much.

 

[somedude]

A thought, what if I only replaced the actual pump, impeller and pulley part only, thermostat and belt?
That’s about a third of the price of the complete pump housing assembly.

There is a Hepu part, made in Germany, available for like 20% of the price of the complete assembly.
Plus VW thermostat, G13 coolant, belt and bolt, still only about a third of the price.

Does anyone have any experience doing that?

Thank you.