Water pump? HELP

[SteveMcB]

Hi, I have a 2008 3.0tdi cab with 32k on the clock, car runs very well but in the last week or so I've done about 1000 miles and the coolant dropped well below the min, needed about 1.5ltrs to fill it up. No obvious leaks or smoke and oil looks fine. I've done a bit of googling and am starting to wonder if it is a water pump issue. Can anyone confirm if this model is prone to water pump failure and if so how do I go about checking, I cant even see where the water pump is lcated to look for dampness!
PS just bought a caravan - I know what you are thinking but it's been mapped so I won't be holding anyone up!-and am heading off for a few days next week so dont want to risk a break down then!

 

[Meller]

I had a waterpump fail only a few months after i had a new one fitted when i had the cambelt done. I managed to spot the water in the catch tray under the engine, so if its leaking from the pump you should be able to notice it if you check overnight. Might seem a bit of a daft one but check oil level is ok, i had a vehicle once that due to there being very little oil in it used all the coolant due to it overheating, didnt make that mistake again. The oil level checkers on the audi's mmi are crap.

 

[Necroscope]

The S4 and 3.0TDi pre 2010ish were supplied with plastic water pump housings and are a known weak point. I should know as my pump failed and dumped all the water over the floor. My car was fixed under warranty and i dont think a recall was ever made. The replacement part and newer cars have a metal pump body IIRC. A call to Audi should confirm what I have said and if your car has ever had its pump upgraded.