Owner reviews for water pump

The OEM water pump is indeed prone to failure after 100k miles and is easy to replace. It will absolutely cause the death rattle.

As for pump, SKF tends to do well.

GRAF makes this particular pump without the magnetic impeller, and it’s the best option.

Though I went for a Kolbenschmidt pump instead of genuine (Which is just a Saleri PA659S anyway) - The Kolbenschmidt is German made so I trust it.

Currently own a ‘15 S3 with 130k+ miles. Nothing really major to report for me outside of some known common issues with this generation (water pump, PODS, etc). Car has been great and honestly easy to maintain if you can DIY oil changes, brakes, and DSG fluid changes.

Generally the OEM plastic water pump only lasts as long as the timing belt interval. I wouldn't rule it out since the overflow water you might be seeing could just be water which is expanding or boiling as you increase the engine speed.

My water pump broke the first time 23k miles ago. Another one just went out on me. I’m 1 month past the 8 years and only at 72k miles.

I used a Gates kit for the timing belt change and the cheap Chinese water pump water seal failed in 2 years.

OEM. Went aftermarket 2 times in a year replacing that pump. Finally bit the bullet and paid for toyota part.

100% oem or Aisin, I bought a knock off on amazon and it failed in 2 months.