Updated February 21, 2025
Is your car’s coolant level lower than it should be? Have you seen a red thermometer symbol (the engine temperature warning light) appear on the dashboard?
There could be something wrong with the cooling system. When working properly, this system keeps the engine from overheating.
Parts can wear out from daily use, and coolant leaks may develop in a variety of spots.
The water pump is one component that might eventually need to be replaced. This item sends coolant through the radiator.
If the pump is going bad, it can mean that coolant isn’t moving through the engine or fluid is being lost. There’s also a pulley and a bearing where if the pump starts wobbling it can throw the belt and may damage other parts.
Symptoms and causes of a bad water pump
Water pump replacement may be needed if the part is corroding or loose. An automotive technician may notice these problems when looking over your vehicle.
Sometimes, you might notice certain indicators when you have a bad water pump, such as an overheating engine. Coolant could also be seen leaking in the center of a vehicle’s front end.
If the engine does run warm, steam might be released through the radiator cap.
You might hear rattling and squeaking sounds, as well. The rattling noise would come from the bearing. Meanwhile, movement of the pulley may result in a squeaking.
Different water pump problems are possible. This part may go bad if a bearing wears out or there’s a bad seal or gasket. Cracks could develop in the water pump, too.
Those who are having water pump problems and technicians who are looking into these issues: You can read some recommendations in this article we wrote.
Installing a new pump on a Cadillac
One of our technicians installed a new pump on a Cadillac, which was overheating and had a coolant leak.
As the technician worked on it, he noticed that the drive belt and drive pulley had been shredded. We think this was caused by the pump locking up.
To access it, the technician needed to remove the water pump housing, which includes part of the EGR system and Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP system).
For some cars, water pumps are timing belt driven, meaning that the front cover of the engine needs to come off. This part is primarily timing chain driven on Fords, so the chain needs to be removed.
A majority of vehicles have pumps on the outside of the motor on the accessory belt drive. Most front-wheel drive cars will have them on the passenger side. On rear-wheel drive vehicles, the pump is usually in the center near the radiator.
Taking care of your water pump
The lifespan of water pumps depends on the vehicle. We’ve seen them last as long as 300,000 miles or make it to 50,000 miles.
Maintaining the cooling system can help you get the most out of this component and other parts. By performing regular coolant fluid exchanges, you are replacing fluid that would eventually turn acidic.
We also recommend making sure items are changed when they go bad, that the coolant remains at a good level, and the right kind of coolant is used on your vehicle.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.