I called the dealer today and they said that the water pumps don't need to be changed when the timing belt is changed. Only if it is faulty. I was wondering if this is correct or do I need to change it as well anyway.

 

I just scheduled to have my timing belt replaced and asked the same thing. The Volvo specialist I talked to says exactly the same. He said, "Honda, Toyota, Nissan ... it's automatic, you do the water pump." He says Volvo makes their water pumps a lot beefier and that is why it is not necessarily needed. If there are signs of failure then they will advise you to replace it.

 

What happens if you do the belt and 30 days down the road the water pump goes out! Yes, you might not needed now but what iif? Then you have to re-spend the same amount of labor, whereas right now you can just add the water pump for not much and call it insurance for later down the road... No one will know when the pump might go out, but IMO I would add it and know you wont have to do it for a looong while. But that's just my 2 cents.

 

Thanks for the advice. I would like some more feedback if any one else has any...

 

I usually don't replace unless it is leaking.