I have a 00 TT with 60k on it and I was driving home today and the car was over heating so I pulled over and looked under the car and there was a consistant drip of coolant and after I got it towed home I started up the car again and cant see a leak this time but still over heats. I opened the hood and noticed a rattle sound coming from the timing belt area (think it was water pump) and I noticed that the coolant was dropping right below the crank pulley. Is that a water pump?

 

It does soundlike a water pump. Have you swapped out the timing belt and all of that already, because at 60k you are at the threshold. Don't quote me 100%, Im sure you will be getting a more inciteful answer, but my guess as is yours, the water-pump.

 

Also, I experienced the rattle sound in that area, at 65k, it turned out my timing belt was failing, as it was about to snap.

 

I bet everyone wishes they had a warning like that...

 

I will **** a brick if the timing belt needs to be replaced at 60k. Is there a easy way to replace the water pump. I am sure once I get out there and start removing stuff it will come come into play but wanted some pictures. Couldn't find any manual at autozone.

 

You cant do one without the other. How to

Belts have snapped at 59k for your info

 

you cant do one without the other? Are they bolted together? I think it is possible.

 

I bet belts have snapped at 60k on these cars. This car is a money pit and liked it better when it was covered with a tarp behind the house.

 

The timing belt operates the waterpump, you change one, you need to change the other.

 

It's recommended by enthusiasts (based on previous experience) to change the timing belt, water pump (plastic impeller breaks apart) with metal impeller, tensioner, and thermostat at or a little before 60K miles. www.dieselgeek.com and www.ecstuning.com both sell kits including the above mentioned parts for the 1.8T engine.
Do it now or face the potential consequences of timing belt failure...