Automotive
The service life of most original equipment water pumps should be 100,000 miles or longer. Some cheap replacement water pumps, however, may not last 30,000 miles before they start to leak. That’s why you should recommend a top-quality replacement water pump if a customer’s old water pump has called it quits.
But these additives eventually wear out over time. If the coolant is worn out or dirty, it will shorten the life of the water pump’s bearings and seals, as well as other cooling system components. A water pump with bad bearings may make noise and/or wobble as it turns. There should be no play or movement in the pump shaft if the pump pulley is wiggled sideways by hand when the engine is off. Coolant leaking out of the vent hole on the housing means the shaft seal has failed and the pump needs to be replaced. If an engine has been overheating, but the coolant level is full and there are no signs of coolant leaks externally or internally (such as a bad head gasket), the problem may be the water pump impeller.
Steel impellers can rust or even separate from the shaft. Plastic impellers can erode and wear down, reducing the pump’s ability to circulate coolant. Either way, a pump that isn’t pumping very well needs to be replaced. Other items a customer may need when changing a water pump include gaskets, coolant, a thermostat (recommended if the engine has overheated), and a new OHC timing belt or serpentine belt if the engine has a lot of miles on it and the water pump is driven by the timing belt or serpentine belt. All the hoses in the cooling system also should be inspected and replaced if more than 10 years old.
The water pump is one of the vehicle components that may never require replacement if your vehicle is well-taken care of. You can own a car for over 15 years and never have to replace the water pump. That's not to say that it can't develop a problem. That's why the car comes with a scheduled maintenance routine for every car component to ensure that it is always in pristine condition to function at maximum performance.
So, when should you replace the water pump?
At What Interval Should You Replace a Car Water Pump?
As mentioned earlier, a vehicle's water pump is usually built to last, perhaps because it is located deep under the hood. Still, it is prone to wear and tear. Because it is not easily seen doesn't mean it should be out of mind. Typically, the recommended interval for replacing the water pump is every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on various factors, such as the car model, road and weather conditions, and driving behavior. Therefore, if you plan to invest in a used car, ensure you verify whether the seller replaced the water pump. Adhering to this maintenance service can significantly prolong your car's lifespan.
Signs and Symptoms that You Need to Replace Your Car's Water Pump
Before your engine overheats or you deal with complicated performance issues, your car will deliver signs that you need to replace the water pump, and knowing them can prove valuable in the long term.
These signs include:
- Coolant Leaks
- High-Pitched Noises from Under the Hood
- Engine Overheating
- Rust Buildup in The Water Pump
- Steam Coming from The Radiator
Save Money on Your Next Water Pump Replacement
Replacing the water pump is a labor-intensive undertaking because the pump lies deep under the hood, and repairs might be costly. Since the pump is powered by the timing belt, which is closely located to it, it would be best to have the timing belt also replaced at the same time. That saves you the cash as it alleviates the need to repair the belt separately.
Are you in need of water pump replacement solutions? Bring your automobile to our vehicle maintenance and repair shop today, and we'll provide quality services and affordable prices.