Your cooling system is very important. It circulates coolant through the radiator and your engine to protect your car from overheating. There are five main components to the cooling system:
- the radiator
- the radiator cap
- the hoses
- the thermostat
- the water pump
The water pump’s like the heart of your cooling system, circulating the fluid throughout. It’s a small pump that’s driven by the engine — usually by belt, but sometimes by a chain or gear.
Your car’s pump doesn’t actually look like this, but hey… pretty flowers!
The pump only operates when the engine’s running. Water pump failure is pretty common because they’re used so frequently. Some start failing at around 40,000 miles, but most fail by 100,000 miles. Consult your owners’ manual or service technician to see what’s recommended.
Since a water pump either works or it doesn’t, you need to change it when it fails. These pumps fail in one of two ways: the bearings fail or they begin to leak. It’s possible to have a leak from a cracked pump, but it usually leaks at the gasket where it attaches to the engine.
So how can you tell when the water pump is failing? If you can hear a low-pitched grinding sound coming from the part, it’s got a problem. If you can see coolant in that area, you’ve got a leak.
Some water pumps are driven off the timing belt. They might be under a plastic cover so you can’t see them clearly. Look for coolant on the driveway. If you see some, have your service center check it out.
Most timing belts need to be changed at 60,000 miles, some last longer. It’s a good idea to change your water pump at the same time if it’s the sort that’s driven off the timing belt. To start with, 90% of the work’s already done with the timing belt change. Plus, if you don’t change it and develop a leak later, you’ll have to change the belt again along with the water pump because the belt will have been contaminated by the leaking coolant.
You can replace your water pump with a brand spankin’ new one or with a rebuilt pump. Rebuilt will save you some money, but ask your technician what he thinks. Don’t feel too bad if your pump gives out — they will all wear out eventually. Your service technician can get you back on the road and on with your life.
