Replacing Your Car's Water Pump With An Auto Repair In Chicago

By Frank Carbart


Located under the timing belt cover, your car's water pump constantly delivers water and coolant to the engine, preventing it from overheating. Although they're relatively durable, water pumps occasionally break down. Sometimes this happens without warning, but in many cases, your water pump will show signs that it's declining before it fails completely.

When there is a coolant leak that is next to the timing belt, it is often coming from the water pump. Yellow, red or green fluid beneath your car can also indicate a leak.

A change in the temperature gauge that occurs suddenly, such as overheating, also signifies a water pump problem. If you're able to move the unit back and forth, the shaft and bearings have likely come loose. When there is an internal failure with the impellers, the pump will still be able to spin, but it will not be able to convey any water to your engine. Auto repair services compare the pump with the impellers on a boat that are malfunctioning when a portion of the propeller has gone missing. There are times when the car will not even start after the water pump has failed.

Because servicing the water pump is incredibly labor-intensive, you shouldn't try to replace it yourself. Instead, have an auto repair professional do the job, as this task can be accomplished when the timing belt is being replaced. While the two don't always have to be serviced simultaneously, it makes sense to do it this way, considering where the belt is located. If needed, you can have the drive belt replaced, too, since all these components are located in close proximity to each other.

Servicing a water pump involves a variety of steps. Before starting, your provider will check for leaks by testing your cooling system. After that, the pump will be taken out and replaced if this is called for. This is followed by the installation of a new cap for the radiator and your system will be filled up with all new coolant. Your provider can additionally replace your thermostat.

Water pumps often last just as long as the timing belt which can be anywhere from 60k to 90k miles. Be sure to check your owner's manual to find the specific recommendations that the manufacturer of your vehicle has supplied.




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