Right decision? New water pump + cam belt

F

Frambo

Member
Just wanted to run this past you lot and have anyone pick holes in my thinking.

Mother's A2 FSI. It's on borrowed time, has a bit of a misfire (not coils) and we are basically waiting to replace it with a nice exciting electric car that will also fit the dog.

I'm pretty sure the water pump died on us yesterday. Coolant pouring out from driver's side, loose rattling from that area too.

New water pump + cam belt + labour was £500 to £550 at wheelbase in Walton but they can't look at it till October! I really need something sorted on Monday as it's her daily runabout.

I briefly considered calling it the end of the line but to get her something else (or another A2) will be to take on a new gamble and cost more than the £500 or so required to get this one back into a driveable condition.

I figured I'd just let my local mechanic do it, using parts from euro car parts. Does that sound okay or is this work that an audi specialist is needed for?

2002 FSI at about 70,000 miles

Cheers!
 
Any competent mechanic can do it, £500 is on the high side I reckon (except for a main dealer), I reckon you ought to be able to save £200 on that at the right place.
 
Can you get a quote from a mobile mechanic? Any competent mechanic should be capable of the job. You may get the parts on line cheaper but you will have to search and wait for delivery.
 
AndyP said:
Any competent mechanic can do it, £500 is on the high side I reckon (except for a main dealer), I reckon you ought to be able to save £200 on that at the right place.
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Thanks for this, bearing that in mind I'll expect something closer to £300 somewhere local but reliable.

audifan said:
Can you get a quote from a mobile mechanic? Any competent mechanic should be capable of the job. You may get the parts on line cheaper but you will have to search and wait for delivery.
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I could but I don't know any mobile mechanics that I've used before and would necessarily want working on the vehicle.

Are you suggesting that because the 10 minute drive to a garage could be bad for the vehicle?

Thanks for info!
 
As you have said it is on borrowed time. Belt may last for years more or minutes more. That is the gamble.
 
Wheelbase are good but a little on the pricy side. You could try Gary at b&f autos based near Hounslow West tw4 - 07958 326196. He works on A2's did my cambelt and headgasket on my TDI and lots of other work too. He also has a car you can use whilst yours is being worked on.
 
audifan said:
As you have said it is on borrowed time. Belt may last for years more or minutes more. That is the gamble.
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I'm with you, thanks for explanation

ashley7715 said:
Wheelbase are good but a little on the pricy side. You could try Gary at b&f autos based near Hounslow West tw4 - 07958 326196. He works on A2's did my cambelt and headgasket on my TDI and lots of other work too. He also has a car you can use whilst yours is being worked on.
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Yes Wheelbase are good but pricey, I'm inclined to agree. Sadly I don't think it would make it to Hounslow West without a tow - more hassle and a longer repair time but thanks for this recommendation.

bretti_kivi said:
coolant pouring out may be the "death pipe", not the water pump.

- Bret
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Thanks Bret, I have looked up the death pipe and can see what you mean. I will do an examination today but I'd guess that it's the pump simply from teh noise - sounds like there are marbles in the engine!
 
I've gone for an Airtex pump but wanted to double check that this is the cam belt I need? I figured I'd order these today so I can take advantage of the weekend discount and then I can get them fitted tomorrow.

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All done! For anyone viewing this thread in the future, it was about £100 from the parts (ECP had a discount) and £270 for the labour, including an oil and filter change.

Thanks so much for everyone's help, my mum is very happy to have her old girl back!
 
Frambo said:
All done! For anyone viewing this thread in the future, it was about £100 from the parts (ECP had a discount) and £270 for the labour, including an oil and filter change.

Thanks so much for everyone's help, my mum is very happy to have her old girl back!
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ECP ALWAYS have a discount - lol. Not too bad though, £270 for labour for a three hour job is a bit of a kicker, but I have trade contacts so ...
 
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