Did the timing belt/water pump/thermostat replacement job this weekend. Got too aggressive with the bolts while tightening the water pump back up, cracked the housing (glad it is replaceable and wasn't the block). I know how to change everything up to the water pump itself, but what is necessary to change the housing? I've heard the alternator needs to be removed, anything other heads ups? Are there any tutorials out there?

 

Not trying to be a jerk, I don't understand. It sounds like you replaced the water pump, and now you want to know how to replace it again?

And as always, what motor?

 

What housing do you need to replace, the thermostat housing?

 

You're right... should have been more clear. 1.8t ATW engine. The water pump that came with the kit looks like this
Audi VW Volkswagen Water Pump (A4 Passat) Hepu P518 | FCP Euro
The part that I cracked is where the part linked above ^^ bolts to the housing linked below to make the complete water pump assembly.
VW Audi Water Pump (Passat A4 A4 Quattro) - Meyle 050121010MY | FCP Euro
I've seen this housing called a "thermostat housing," but that does not seem correct to me. This plastic part (linked below) is what I consider the thermostat housing
Audi VW Thermostat Housing Cover Meyle - 030121121BMY | FCP Euro
I believe the proper term for the part I've cracked is the water pump housing. Whatever it is called, does anyone know what it takes to remove it? Again, I plan on pulling the whole front end again, removing pulleys, etc... I have done all the way up to just the impeller part of the water pump. Just need to know what has to be done to remove this housing from the block.

 

So that's what you cracked. Might be a good junkyard item, though lots of bone yards will want that to stay with the motor. Bentley only shows this, but note that all bolts going into aluminum in that area are 10 NM (not lbs) which is not much torque at all.

 

That's the part... the #4 on the right-side of the image. Nothing on how to get to it?

 

I'm confused. #4 is the waterpump....and your oringinal post makes it sound like you just changed that. But here's a good DIY on the whole t-belt waterpump swap on a 1.8.

AudiWorld Tech Articles

 

If you look at the pic you posted, there are two #4's.... One in the center of the image (the water pump impeller) and a #4 on the right side of the image (the water pump housing... the part that cracked on me). Together, they make up what I referred to as the water pump assembly. Again, the kit I purchased only had the water pump impeller portion, or the #4 in the center of the image you posted.

 

Sumbitch. There are two number 4's there. So did you crack the pump housing...the #4 on the right?

 

Yep... Cracked the pump housing, the #4 on the right