How do you know when you need a new water pump?

[Quijibow_69]

I'm just curious, my car has 84000 and I'm not sure if it has a new one or not. Will I definitely know it when I need one?

 

[Killer50stang]

I'm just curious, my car has 84000 and I'm not sure if it has a new one or not. Will I definitely know it when I need one?

Most likely at the mileage, probably not. If the waterpump has a problem turning itself, it usually seizes, then you have to replace it. My waterpump gaskets have always gone before the pump. That's when I've always replaced mine, figuring you have to take the pump off to get to the gasket and a new pump is like $20 for stock. If you don't have any leaks, you're running cool, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[notchback]

yup...it'll sieze up, break the shaft , or leak through the holes from the seals blowing out.

 

[WhiteHeat306]

if you are not sure about it, you may want to change it just to be safe. the H20 pump went on my buddy in his van, and when it seized the pulley broke off and he lost his power steering and the thing just shut down. keep in mind we were on our way to the first day of college with ALLLLL our stuff in the van lol.

is it leaking at all and are you running hot?

 

[TRWXXA]

Look on the pump housing behind the pulley, there should be a weep hole (probably on the bottom). If you see evidence of fluid coming from this hole, it indicates that you need to replace the pump.

If you don't see this, and with your mileage, you probably don't need a new pump yet.