Does the water pump need to be replaced if the water pump belt is showing signs of wear? Or just the belt?
My dealership service department has been recommending that I replace my water pump each time I bring my car in for service even though I don't have any issues. Now they are saying the belt is showing signs of cracks and should be replaced along with the water pump. Do both have to be replaced or just the belt?
My car has 12700 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi, thanks for writing in. There is no reason to replace the water pump every time the belt is changed, unless the pump itself is damaged or not working properly. The belt may show signs of wear which is fairly common between 80k-100k miles. I would not recommend putting the belt service off as this can cause major damage if the belt were to snap. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to inspect your belts to determine when and if they would need to be replaced, while at the same time inspecting your water pump and cooling system to be sure there are no issues with it.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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How Often Should The Serpentine Belt Be Replaced? Your Honda`s serpentine belt is luckily a long-lasting belt that typically lasts about 100,000 miles.
According to the Honda maintenance schedule, your Honda`s timing belt and water pump generally needs to be inspected and/or replaced every 7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles traveled.
However, a timing belt`s failure does not necessarily mean that the water pump is in bad condition. Having said this, it is strongly recommended both parts being replaced simultaneously, as per the reasons exhibited bellow.
Loosing the serpentine belt should not affect the engine timing.
If you have a 4-cylinder model from 2003-2007, you engine has a timing chain; if you have the V6 model from those years, it`s a timing belt. An Accord from 2008-2012 with a 4-cylinder engine will have a timing chain, whereas the V6 engine models have a timing belt.
Should I replace the water pump with the timing belt? It is not necessary to replace both at the same time, however, it is highly recommended due to a high risk of engine damage. All parts of the synchronous drive have the same mileage and wear.
There are only a few things you`ll need to replace a serpentine belt: a new belt, a belt tensioner tool and maybe a socket wrench. These things should be easy to find at an auto parts store. Gloves and eye protection never hurt either. Every car engine is different, even engines from the same auto manufacturer.
The serpentine belt “snakes” around several components of the engine, transferring mechanical power to nearly every critical part. Under normal conditions, the belt needs to be replaced every 4 to 6 years.
So when the water pump must be replaced, it is a good idea to go ahead and also replace the timing belt, timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys.
Replace the fan, pulley, radiator shroud (if so equipped) and drive belts. Adjust all belts to the proper tension, and fill the system with a 50/50 antifreeze/water mixture. Reconnect the battery ground cable, start the vehicle and check for leaks.
Serpentine belts are much longer and wider than older V belts. Improved material quality lets belts last much longer. A narrow, deep V-belt design evolved into a wide, flat belt with teeth. Several V belts on older engines have been combined into one serpentine belt on newer engines.
Typically a damaged belt tensioner will not impact vehicle performance. It would cause the serpentine or drive belt to wear prematurely or to squeak – but not cause the acceleration issue.
Most cars today use a single belt, called a serpentine belt. Older cars often have two belts – a drive belt and an alternator belt. Your power steering belt is generally the serpentine or drive belt. Without this, the power steering pump doesn`t work and fluid cannot be sent through the lines to the steering rack.
A worn timing belt will affect your engine`s starting speed as it is attached to the pulleys that drive the crankshaft. Eventually, the belt can slip on the camshaft drive causing the engine cylinder to open and close at the wrong time.
All 2006 and newer Civic models don`t have a belt. They come with a timing chain, which does not need to be replaced.
While the amount of the efficiency loss is small, it`s fair to say that replacing an older water pump can lead to a small increase in engine efficiency and fuel economy. A new water pump can also reduce engine noise. Again, older pumps likely have a bearing with some wear and tear.
Serpentine belts are made of sturdy rubber, so it`s not uncommon for them to last for 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, exposure to heat and friction breaks them down over time. You`ll need to schedule an appointment at our service center near Lynn to replace a worn belt.
But, auto manufacturers began to favor the serpentine belt over the V-belt because the former is lighter and easier to place back on track. The latter is heavier and more difficult to install. Plus, the flatter design of the serpentine belt provides greater traction, which generates more power for your engine.
On average, serpentine belts should last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, if you`re only putting a few thousand miles annually on your vehicle, don`t use that mileage interval as the sole guide for when to replace the serpentine belt.
Being made of durable rubber, a serpentine belt can last anywhere from around 50,000-100,000 miles.
Serpentine belts are made of sturdy rubber, so it`s not uncommon for them to last for 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, exposure to heat and friction breaks them down over time. You`ll need to schedule an appointment at our service center near Lynn to replace a worn belt.
Being made of durable rubber, a serpentine belt can last anywhere from around 50,000-100,000 miles.
The serpentine belt “snakes” around several components of the engine, transferring mechanical power to nearly every critical part. Under normal conditions, the belt needs to be replaced every 4 to 6 years.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Does the water pump need to be replaced if the water pump belt is showing signs of wear? Or just the belt?
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. There is no reason to replace the water pump every time the belt is changed, unless the pump itself is damaged or not working properly. The belt may show signs of wear which is fairly common between 80k-100k miles. I would not recommend putting the belt service off as this can cause major damage if the belt were to snap. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to inspect your belts to determine when and if they would need to be replaced, while at the same time inspecting your water pump and cooling system to be sure there are no issues with it.
My water pump is leaking but I replaced timing belt and pump a year ago. Can I just replace the water pump this time?
ANSWER : Hello. You can just replace the water pump in this case. Although, the cost of just the timing belt is fairly negligible in comparison to the total labor of the job. My estimator says the water pump is a 6.5 hour job. Multiply that by whatever the shop rate is and you have the total labor without parts. You end up saving about $100 or less on parts if you only replace the pump.
The deciding factor will be the condition of the timing belt. If it has problems, you won’t be saving yourself any money by reusing it. In addition, there are seals and pulleys that may need to be replaced as well.
Assuming all the related parts were replaced the first time around, there isn’t a reason you can’t reuse them. I would say you should weigh the savings of reusing them against the actual condition of the parts. This is best determined after a complete disassembly. Keep in mind, time estimates will vary a bit depending on many factors. Either way, the labor is the largest cost.
If you would like to have the water pump replaced, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to perform this service at your convenience.
I had my timing belt and water pump replaced 45000 miles ago. Now I am told I need to replace water pump. Is this normal?
ANSWER : Hello there, 45,000 miles is a short lifespan for a water pump on your 2000 Honda Odyssey. There are a few reasons the water pump will need to be replaced, such as a pump bearing failure, water pump seal leak, or rust/contamination damaging the pump. Faults such as rust or particles in the cooling system are formed in the cooling system over time and the parts break down, or regular coolant flushes are not performed. These particles can cause the pump to fail prematurely. It would be a good idea to ask why the water pump needs to be replaced or take note of any symptoms you are experiencing with the car before moving forward with this. If you would like to have an expert give you a second opinion on this, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your location to inspect the car and replace the water pump if necessary.
Hello, I have 2007 Toyota Prius 135000, I have had it since 67000, do I need to replace water pump? Serpentine belt? maintenance?
ANSWER : Hello. If your vehicle just needs the serpentine belt then that needs to be replaced. There is no reason to replace the water pump if it is not leaking or making noise. You could have it changed as maintenance, but there really is not reason to do so. As for the other items, with this many miles I would have the vehicle tuned up and also change any fluids that have not been changed. You should have these items replaced by a certified mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, as they can come to you to [replace your belt and do the maintenance on the vehicle] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement
Do I need to replace timing belt again of replacing water pump?
ANSWER : The water pump and timing belt should be replaced as a set if the coolant leaked on the belt. The coolant leaking on it will damage the belt.
Water pump replacement after coming loose?
ANSWER : Water pumps do NOT get loose on an engine excepting an unusual circumstance where the pump was improperly installed. So, the mechanic might be referring, in your circumstance, to a seized water pump or a situation where the water pump pulley and/or pump impeller have come loose. Certainly, if the water pump pulley is loose or the pump impeller has failed, the pump is not re-usable and must be replaced. However, if the pump itself, that is the aluminum pump housing, was loose (i.e., the bolts holding the pump to the engine block were loose) unless it is a relatively new Toyota pump, it is wise to replace it simply because the pump shaft seal does not last forever and if the pump has any significant number of miles on it will be cheaper in the long run to just replace it now when the mechanic has to already go in there anyway to re-install it. If you are re-using a pump, you have to remove it to re-gasket it and re-install it so better to just install a new pump and save yourself the possibility of the used part failing "soon". As far as engine cooling system thermostats are concerned, if you install a new water pump, the best practice is to install a brand new thermostat (use Toyota OEM ONLY; save yourself a headache and do NOT use aftermarket) because the engine thermostat performs a critical function in terms of optimizing and regulating engine operating temperature. Thermostats do not last forever and when they fail they often cause engine overheating which is VERY bad. The reason the best practice is to replace the thermostat when the mechanic is already in there, and the cooling system is already drained, is the thermostat housing is often adjacent to the pump and so it is also efficient and economical to replace it. Thermostats are not expensive: the Toyota OEM thermostat might be around $25 with a mechanic’s discount. As far as this job being costly, as you noted in your question, yes if you use a shop, or worse a "dealer" where the mark ups are huge, you can be sure you won’t be eating lunch for the next month once you have the job done. However, in your circumstance you have a choice: a water pump and thermostat replacement, plus a new serpentine belt, is a relatively easy task on a vehicle such as yours and so is an ideal in the field, mobile job. You can not only save money but get personalized service if you replace the water pump through YourMechanic and the money you save can be put toward OEM parts which a mechanic can get for you typically at a 25% discount off the dealer list price. If you do the job and you want the fewest headaches, but the water pump, thermostat, and belt from a Toyota dealer. Finally, IF the pump was in fact loose, the REASON it was loose has to be investigated. In particular, a loose assembly raises the possibility of stripped internal threads in the block thus causing the bolts to eventually come loose. So, if in your case, there were loose bolts, the internal threads have to be carefully inspected and repaired if necessary, otherwise you will be completely wasting your money on the repair because the pump WILL come loose again. Any further concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and I hope you are able to get this all resolved to your satisfaction.
Can a jeep run and drive without a water pump??
ANSWER : Driving or running the engine without the water pump working to circulate the coolant through the motor will cause the motor to overheat and may damage the engine costing thousands of dollars versus using a tow truck to take the vehicle to the shop that will cost a lot less. I would not recommend running the engine more than a few minutes at a time or you will overheat it.
Driving belt and water pump replacment
ANSWER : Hello. They should have told you exactly what component was leaking. It’s still unclear if it’s the water pump, radiator, or something else leaking. The drive belt (also called the serpentine belt) should be replaced if it has cracks or got coolant on it from a water pump leak. The serpentine belt needs to come off when the water pump is worked on, so there should only be a charge for the part and no additional labor. I suggest you get a second opinion from another qualified mechanic. Consider YourMechanic, as their certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or workplace to inspect what’s causing the leak.
