There was never really a problem with the water pumps. It's just prudent to change it when doing the belt as it adds little to the overall cost, but will cost a whole other belt change if the pump fails 6 months after getting the belt changed.

Edited 8 May, 201313 yr by booke23

Changed my timing belt kit and water pump on my 2008 Octavia VRS TFSI myself recently. It was on 98k and 5 years old. Belt looked as good as the new one, only thing i spotted was one of the idlers was a bit rough (bearing). I wouldn't be leaving any belt longer than 5 years in my opinion.

There was never really a problem with the water pumps. It's just prudent to change it when doing the belt as it adds little to the overall cost, but will cost a whole other belt change if the pump fails 6 months after getting the belt changed.

cheers didn't think of it like that will be changing water pump as well