2004 Jetta Water Pump Replacement?

[drexking]

I have been recently experiencing overheating issues in my 2.0 L Jetta Wgn. The large radiator fan is not engaging, tested fan it works fine, realized during overheating the top radiator hose was getting really hot while the lower hose was almost cold. Replaced Thermostat still cold lower hose and overheating with no heat coming in through the vents.
So my assumption is Water Pump, has any one undertaken this themselves? Im wondering if I should pay someone to do the work or attempt it myself, I just know that if i mess up the trimming it can have some pretty serious consequences. Any advice or direction will be greatly appreciated, thanks, not used to the daily driver failing on me .

derek

[Greg]

Timing belt and waterpump should be done at the same time. Since you are in there and all. If you mechanically inclined you can do it yourself but I'd recommend that you pay a shop to do it.

[OldSkoolSteve]

Definitely water pump. They are plastic impeller type and fail.
If you have time and patience, you can do it.
The timing will be fine as long as you mark and double mark the locations of cams and crank. Even count the teeth on the old t-belt in between the cogs if needed. Don't be afraid to overcompensate.

[haywirebutton]

go for it pretty straight forward.Line up marks then pull old belt install new pump/idlers...check marks ...install belt...rotate x2 ...check marks... done