Water pump and Timing belt replacement - 1.6Fsi

[Phil_B]

Ok, so last week I had my car up at the front and noticed a very small amount of pink water coming from what looked like the back of the timing cover at the bottom, which duly alarmed me. Checked levels, slightly low, and topped up.
2 days ago, the low level warning light came on after work. Major alarm, and topped up before leaving for home.
The following morning, I looked at the timing belt change sticker on the slam panel. Its done just over 50K miles since 2019 so time for a change, which is kind of annoying because I was hoping to fit the Immortal Death pipe to my car when I did this job.
However, that is being tested by a more experienced VCDS user than me.

So, I need to buy some parts. Timing belt and water pump kit. The question is, what brand(s) do I look for on Evilbay, and what to avoid? or do I bite the bullet and give it to the good people at Walton On Thames to do the job? I am more than capable of doing the job I think.

Also, are there any special setting tools I will need, and anything else I should consider doing at the same time? I have done a little research, so will check the top cover for leaks.

Many thanks in advance for your input

 

[a2a]

Brands-wise, I would look at Continental, Ina or Gates. Good luck!

 

[Indi]

I did mine a few months ago, definitely doable as an amateur mechanic, though you will need a few special tools

I went with continental for the cambelt and water pump kit, you’ll also need a crankshaft pulley bolt and counter hold tool as well as the locking tools for the cam shafts, or appropriately sized drill bits etc instead (8mm maybe?)

Removing the wheel arch lining makes access easier.

I’d recommend doing it by the manual, just for peace of mind, I just followed through step by step and it was fairly simple.