Hi,

What would be the symptoms of an auxilary belt failure?

I am reading as well as the alternator and power steering the water pump would stop working?

I thought the Octavia VRS (mk1) water pump was driven by the timing belt, so how would the auxilary belt snapping affect the water pump?

Thanks,

It depends on which engine is fitted.

I'd think that in general, it is wise to replace the aux belt so that it does not fail in use, having a engine driven belt breaking up in a confided space can/could cause a lot of collateral damage - I'm just trying to read between you the OP's lines here.

So far, unless it has started to look like it was cracking badly, I've just replaced "good enough looking" aux belts on our cars at 50,000miles or 10 years - whichever turned up first.

On 14/11/2025 at 00:42, tetley said:

It depends on which engine is fitted.

AUQ 1.8T Mk1 VRS

Think the water pump is driven via timing belt on that one. If your waterpump isnt working but car still runs I would suspect its failed. If its not leaking then the fins may have gone and its not pumping. Had an aux belt snap on me before and wrapped itself around the alternator wrecking a few bits and pieces while it was at it. Nightmare to get it off as it got wedged behind pulleys.

Alasdair