Water Pump Failures

[jjbodean1970]

john's right, the labor to do the water pump is a major PITA by itself, but it's a breeze when done while you're in there already for the timing belt. most water pumps (speaking generally here) will last one and a half times your timing belt. in other words, if your t-belt will die at 100k, your water pump will die at 150k. makes sense to do it as preventive maintenance during the t-belt then wait for a failure down the road.

 

[Jim_Chow]

Thanks everyone for your concern. Let me clarify- I bought my LC used, but have the receipt for the 90K, as well as all other factory service, which included a timing belt change (it was done at 90,ooo miles).

I was trying to decide if I should wait until the SECOND timing belt change for the water pump, at which time I would do t-stat, hoses, water pump, timing belt, timing belt pulleys, etc.

I'd wait until either the WP leaks or it's time to replace the t-belt. You could also replace the t-belt a bit early, like 60K mi (as in most vehicles). I replaced my WP at 125K mi on my mini when I replaced the t-chain. It wasn't leaking, but was a PM measure. They're cheap, and it's no additional labor since the pulley needs to be removed.

 

[hank14]

Thanks again- That's what I'll shoot for- 150-180 K miles (or whenever I have money to burn).