How do water pumps fail?
06-25-2006, 10:53 AM
#16
I would hazard a guess that water pump failure usually begins by a seal going bad letting coolant get to the bearings. Then the bearings begin to fail from lack of lubrication/corrosion. I've had 2 pumps let me know they were on the way out by dripping coolant from the weephole. You should be able to get one of those auto stethoscopes from Pep Boys, Autozone, etc. They work really well for isolating noises.
06-25-2006, 11:01 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Canada, Vancouver area
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by Mike C.
You should be able to get one of those auto stethoscopes from Pep Boys, Autozone, etc. They work really well for isolating noises.
06-25-2006, 01:43 PM
#18
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
My last water pump (WP) made a knocking noise similar to a bad rod bearing knock except it was random. There was no leak at all, but once I got the belts off and somewhat forcefully yanked on WP pulley there was no question where noise came from.
Here is a reference to a picture of the WP once I got it off, obviously a collapsed bearing, but mysteriously a good seal.
I drove with that knock for about 1000 miles and one track event with no adverse consequences, except inadequate cooling at the track (luck is a good thing).
Laust
Here is a reference to a picture of the WP once I got it off, obviously a collapsed bearing, but mysteriously a good seal.
I drove with that knock for about 1000 miles and one track event with no adverse consequences, except inadequate cooling at the track (luck is a good thing).
Laust
06-25-2006, 01:49 PM
#19
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Mine was on its way out and doing it silently....
Once I got it removed, the bearings in it ground in one spot. Never heard any odd noises, it just leaked.
Once I got it removed, the bearings in it ground in one spot. Never heard any odd noises, it just leaked.