My 2006 VRS has done 45k and is going in for a cambelt change/kit. Should I get the water pump done too? I got quoted £220, and the mechanic said I probably won't need a water pump at 45k. Should I get the pump done or not?

Yes, I'd advise getting it changed. The labour isn't really much more when the belt's being changed at the same time, so you just end up paying for the part really.

Metal propeller version recommended

Usually £40-50.

Agreed about the "costs next to nothing more than the part" argument. They're likely to give out at about 70k (so nicely between cambelts), and you'll need a new cambelt plus all the labour for changing it when the water pump is done.

There have also been cases of the waterpumps failing before belts. So don't take any chances.

And I'm sure you're getting the cambelt kit fitted, but just make sure that the tensioners are changed as well as the belt itself

Mine will only have around 35k when its 4 years old but im going to replace the water pump with the cambelt,as others have said for the extra £50 or so its worth changing for the peace of mind for the next 4 years trouble free motoring(hopefully).

Do not get the metal impeller as if it fails it gets stuck and then strips the timing belt!!! Get an OEM plastic one as if this fails you just get a slight overheat problem which can be "driven around" to get to the garage!!! I only do mine every second belt change (4year intervals for belt, 8yrs for pump) due to lack of mileage!!!

Do not get the metal impeller as if it fails it gets stuck and then strips the timing belt!!! Get an OEM plastic one as if this fails you just get a slight overheat problem which can be "driven around" to get to the garage!!! I only do mine every second belt change (4year intervals for belt, 8yrs for pump) due to lack of mileage!!!

+1 The metal impeller pumps are prone to bearing seizing causing horrible engine damage when the timing belts gets shredded. Very few plastic pumps fail these days, as VAG issued a revised pump with stronger blades.

Go for the revised plastic version then

The last time I had a Fabia pump and 'belt done, the earlier revision pumps were still in use, and particularly prone to failure.

Had mine done at 44,000 miles with car nearly 5 years old, so a balance of age and mileage.

Had mine done at 44,000 miles with car nearly 5 years old, so a balance of age and mileage.

Pretty much identical to mine. Had mine done by skoda at 49k and just coming up to 5yrs old also at a cost of £350

Marc

Hmm, my cambelt was changed at 80k when I bought the car. The waterpump wasn't changed. That was 18 months and 30,000 miles ago.

I plan to change the waterpump at the next cambelt change in 30k time.

Its well worth it being changed at the same time as the belt. I know 1st hand what its like to have a waterpump fail on a previous car, luckily it was under warranty!

Its well worth it being changed at the same time as the belt. I know 1st hand what its like to have a waterpump fail on a previous car, luckily it was under warranty!

Think I'll probably get the pump done after listening to everyone's opinion. Plan on keeping it for a few years, simply because its a great car in a lot of ways. Takes me back to my boy racer days without anyone noticing