Bolt replacement when fitting new water pump?
 

It seems that it is recommended to replace the bolts when replacing the water pump on 850. Can anyone tell me if this is advisable and if so why?

If the heads and threads are undamaged, and they aren't badly rusted or rated as stretch bolts, then replacement isn't necessary

That's what I thought and I cannot imagine they are stretch bolts.

Just use some screw lock on them, I think that's the only reason they say use new ones which are already treated.:regular_smile:

Thanks.

If using a thread lock product I would recommend a lower toque type as: ~
https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/p3...duct_info.html

Others are available from this company- medium-Low-High etc. a lower strength is perfectly adequate to hold these studs and more importantly easier to remove, high strength when used properly can be very difficult and you may just be the poor s--- who has to tackle it!
Trust it helps.
Bob

^^^WHS^^^

Don't worry over much - I bet nobody on here has ever heard of a major failure caused by water pump bolts coming loose, but quite possible have had problems getting them undone again when someone has over-indulged in locking goo!

Thanks very much for that info Bob.

Probably very true. Thanks.

IMO. Bearing in mind it is such an important part, the labour involved to change it is a lot and the fact that you'll probably only change it once, maybe twice, during the cars life (I got 20 years out of the original before it started leaking) I fail to see the point of not getting the volvo kit which comes with pump, gasket and bolts.

It is obviously important to get a good seal so if 1 or more bolts do come loose then it probably won't fail but you may end up with a coolant leak and an expensive exercise to get back in there to fix it.

I totally get the point that you can clean up old bolts and put threadlock on them to reuse (I have done so on other parts) but for this which is so crucial and a pain to get to I don't think it's worth the risk.

FYI the garage that did mine said it took quite a bit of time to remove all of the old gasket so just something to bear in mind when doing the job.