'98 Cabrio, manual trans, ragtop, 104K miles
Water pump is leaking at the shaft seal - so I need to replace it. OK, no biggie - it's 7 years old & these things happen, right?
BUT - I've spent 3 hours on it so far and I still don't have the damn pump off.
My service reference says the following:
Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the engine cover and under cover. Drain and recycle the engine coolant. Position the lock carrier into the service position, as follows:
- Remove the front bumper.
- Tag and remove any wiring or connector that would inhibit locking the carrier.
- Remove the three quick-release screws on the front noise insulation panel.
- Unbolt the air guide between the lock carrier and the air filter.
- If installed, remove the retaining clamps for the wiring harness at the left side of the radiator frame.
- Remove the No. 2 bolts and install Support tool 3369 or equivalent.
- Remove the remaining bolts and pull the lock carrier out to the stop.
- To secure the lock carrier, install the appropriate M6 bolts into the rear of the lock carrier and fender. Remove the accessory drive belt, fan clutch and belt pulleys. If necessary, remove the drive belt tensioner. Remove the coolant pump assembly bracket. Remove the coolant pump from the bracket. Clean all gasket and sealing surfaces
I have NO idea what a "lock carrier" is, or where to get one. Who here has replaced a Cabrio/Golf water pump, and can give me tips on getting this thing apart?
And just for fun, can I get my hands on the gang of idiots that designed this POS? I'll certainly never buy another one of these again.....