change water pump at time of changing timing belt?

I have a '98 v70 glt, recently acquired, and need to change the timing
belt. No problems with water pump at this point, so far as I know,
but a few service pros have suggested it is better to change the water
pump at time of doing the timing belt. The Volvo service people
however seem to be saying that Volvo water pumps just don't die, or
don't die at this point (72K miles).
I'm not anxious to spend a lot to do the water pump later but on the
other hand don't want to be foolish and then get stuck with the
expense. Do you think that it is a good idea -- or not -- to do the
water pump now as a preventive measure anyway? Would appreciate your
thoughts. Thanks.......

 

I have a '98 v70 glt, recently acquired, and need to change the timing

Standard procedure is to check if its ok and if no wear on the bearings or
leaks are spotted its not changed.

Greetings Niels

 

It makes sense to do both jobs at the same time IF the pump shows
signs of wear. The work necessary to do the belt is essentially the
same as to replace the pump but I would be inclined to wait until the
next belt change and do the pump then regardless of what it looks
like. But I'm kind of a cautious guy.

Chuck Fiedler
Nothing but Volvo since 1974

 

Water pumps on the whole last week- certainly past 100k. You may wish to
check it carefully and perhaps leave it. Tensioner rollers and idler are
much more important- they dont last quite as well.

Personnally, for the exta £60 I always change the lot given that you dont
get any 'slack' if the belt comes off / fails on the 5 cyl. It will lunch
the engine entirely.

Tim.

 

I changed the pump as well, at the 140K miles service, just to be on the
safe side...
The old pump didn't show any signs of wear at all, but a new original
Volvo pump cost me around $100 ( in Denmark ) and that's a cheap
insurance against pump failure if you ask me....

 

Since it is driven from the timing belt and it's failure could cause
serious problems elsewhere I would follow common practice and change
the pump.