Cambelt replacement and water pump

[acozens]

I have done a search of the forums as I am sure this would of been covered off before, but can not find anything so apologies if I am going over old ground. 

I am at 100,000 on my 3.0v6 diesel XF so booking it in for a change well before the recommended 112,000 (that seems a bit too high for my liking). 

I am tempted to go to a Jag main dealer with the fixed pricing and warranty at £625, however have been informed that is without a water pump. A local independent Jag specialist can do it for £400 again without the water pump. 

On previous cars I was always told to do the water pump at the same time due to its age and fact that you may as well while the belt is off to save on labour. 

However both the main dealer and independent specialist have informed me it's not necessary on these engines as there are no issues with them. 

Are they right.... Or for the sake of £50 for a pump shall I just 'get it done' to be on the safe side??

[JOC Admin]

Hi Ashley....welcome to the Forum

It's a tough one....although the water pump is not part of the cambelt setup (which is when you would definitely replace it regardless of whether it is leaking or not) it is in the general area of the cambelt and by the time you have the front of the engine stripped back then it would be prudent to replace it at the same time.

I would negotiate a discounted price to replace the water pump whilst they are in the same area, which should save quite a bit on the labour.

A philosophy to bear in mind is that the water pump bearing has done the same amount of work that the tensioner and guide pulley bearings have done over the 100k miles.....why wouldn't you replace it?

Let us know how you get on with it