Do I really need to replace my Volkswagen Golf's water pump when replacing the cam belt?

I've just been told by my garage that my 1998 Volkswagen Golf SE should have a new cam belt. He claims that when changing this, the water pump sometimes gets damaged so they sell the process of replacing both as a package. He is yet to quote on the job but says it is two hours' labour. Can you comment on whether this is usual please?

It's not unusual at all, providing the water pump is driven by the timing belt. It is on many Volkswagen engines. And it is prone to failure from the impellers breaking that cause it to seize, throwing off the timing belt, which is what the service receptionist really meant.

Answered by Honest John on 19 August 2010

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