Hi Jack...

KlausC's advice is always good... he knows what he's talking about.

Many people recommend changing the water pump every other timing belt change. The reasoning behind this is pretty straightforward. Since the process of changing the timing belt has you only a few bolts away from installing a new water pump, and a water pump failure will destroy your engine, many folks prefer to take the "high road" and replace the pump while they have ready access to it.

But as a professional, Klaus apparently sees few, if any, water pump failures, thereby attesting to the fact that these components are quite reliable.

If you want to change it, and you have a few extra bucks that you don't mind spending, go ahead. But the likelihood of the pump failing is probably very low.

I changed mine, but I wasn't the original owner of the car, and didn't know for sure just how diligently the first owner had serviced the cooling system.

Your choice, but I trust Klaus's judgement.

Good luck

Marty
'96 855T