Im working on a buddys a4 2.0 turbo. Its over heating . cooling fans coming on im not losing water unless it boils out the overflow...can it be a bad water pump even tho its not spitting water out like a bad water pump does usually

 

Yes, it still can be the water pump even if it’s not leaking externally. On the 2.0T Audi engines, the pump impeller can fail or slip on the shaft, so coolant isn’t circulating properly even though nothing is visibly coming out. That would cause overheating, fans running normally, and coolant pushing into the overflow if it gets hot enough. Other common possibilities are a stuck thermostat, air in the system, or a restricted radiator, but the water pump/thermostat unit is definitely a top suspect on these engines.

 

Could still be the water pump, especially on those 2.0T engines where the plastic impeller can fail internally without obvious leaks. I’d also check for a stuck thermostat or possible air trapped in the cooling system. If it overheats more while driving than idling, circulation is usually the first thing I’d suspect.