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 sudden change in the temperature gauge, or overheating, can also signal a problem with the water pump. If you can move it back and forth, the bearings and shaft are probably loose. When the impellers fail internally, the pump can still spin, but it no longer conveys water to the engine. Auto repair professionals liken a pump with malfunctioning impellers to a boat with part of the propeller missing. In some instances, when a water pump has failed, your car won't even start.
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.
There are a number of steps that water pump service entails. To start, the cooling system will be tested by the auto repair professional to check for leaks. Then your pump will be taken out and if necessary, it will be replaced. Your provider will also install a new radiator cap before filling the system with new coolant. You may even have the thermostat replaced also.
Water pumps tend to last between 60,000 and 90,000 miles, which is about as long as timing belts. You should check your manual to see what your auto manufacturer has recommended for the make and model of vehicle that you own.
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 sudden change in the temperature gauge, or overheating, can also signal a problem with the water pump. If you can move it back and forth, the bearings and shaft are probably loose. When the impellers fail internally, the pump can still spin, but it no longer conveys water to the engine. Auto repair professionals liken a pump with malfunctioning impellers to a boat with part of the propeller missing. In some instances, when a water pump has failed, your car won't even start.
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.
There are a number of steps that water pump service entails. To start, the cooling system will be tested by the auto repair professional to check for leaks. Then your pump will be taken out and if necessary, it will be replaced. Your provider will also install a new radiator cap before filling the system with new coolant. You may even have the thermostat replaced also.
Water pumps tend to last between 60,000 and 90,000 miles, which is about as long as timing belts. You should check your manual to see what your auto manufacturer has recommended for the make and model of vehicle that you own.
About the Author:
Find a review of the reasons why you should use professional auto services Lincoln Park Chicago firms offer and more info about a reputable vehicle repair company at http://www.bucarobrothersautocare.com/ now.
No comments:
Post a Comment