Should I replace the water pump at the same time as the cam belt on my Tiguan?

I have a Volkswagen Tiguan SE Auto 140PS 2.0 TDI which is shortly due for its four year/40,000 mile service. The service schedule stipulates a cam belt change at this time, which I will have done, but it also says that the water pump doesn't need replacement until the second cam belt change at 80,000 miles, whereas I have always replaced water pumps at the same time as cam belts on previous cars - usually every 40,000 miles. Should I follow Volkswagen's schedule and leave the original water pump until 80,000 miles or should I pay the extra £90 to have it replaced now?

VAG has improved its water pumps and is extending its timing belt replacement mileages. In the old days, before the 40,000 mile regime (which was caused by plastic pulleys failing on 1.4 and 1.6 16v petrol engines), belts and pumps were routinely replaced at 60,000 miles. I think you'll probably be okay with what the dealer suggests.

Answered by Honest John on 22 September 2012

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