Water Pump 98 GLS 2.0

Last week I found coolant lying on top of the automatic trasmission. From this forum I believe the leak to be that plastic housing at the end of the head with all of the hoses and sensors coming out of it.

Today on the other side of the engine (passenger side) coolant was also leaking onto the ground. I can not tell from above but I believe it to be the water pump.

How hard is it to replace the water pump on a 98 Jetta GLS 2.0L?

What are the procedures/steps?

Is it best to by a replacement pump directly from the VW dealer?

Other parts that should be replaced at the same time?

I noticed that there is a serpentine belt as well as a v-belt on the Jetta.

Thanks in advance for the help.

coolant could be leaking down the engine to the oil pan then over to the pass side of oil pan making you think its a water pump.

you can get any w-pump. 2 ways to replace it;

A - remove t-belt and intermediate shaft sprocket
b- remove alternator, ac compressor, ps pump and acessory bracket and
replace the water pump and thermostat.


first one is deff easier but second one covers w-pump and thermostat!

Thanks veedubmechanic.

My daughter's Jetta GLS 2.0 has 58,000 miles. Should the timing belt belt be replaced at the same time as the water pump?

Also I have read that the thermostat housing is attached to the pump and is made of plastic and may be the only cause of the leak. There also appears to be a leak at the rear plastic thingy (rear of head, above transmission) that has a few hoses and sensors coming out of it.

Maybe plastic degregation??

The one on the head above trans is called the coolant flange. It leaks all the time, just get a new one and seal and o-rings for sensors.

you have to remove the t-belt so you mind as well replace it, its 8yrs old neway and problably cracked. Also replace the timing belt tensioner/roller.