Water Pump

The cooling system of an engine has at least five components: the radiator, the radiator cap, the hoses, the thermostat and the water pump. The water pump is literally the heart of the system. Just as your own heart keeps your blood circulating through your body, the water pump keeps coolant circulating through your engine.

The water pump is driven by a belt, chain or gear and only operates while the engine is running. It has a limited life span and sooner or later will have to be replaced. You can check your owner's manual to find out how long your water pump should last. Some can fail at only 40,000 miles, but most will last to 100,000 miles or more.

Water pumps don't gradually wear out; they fail. In other words, they're either working or they're not. A failed water pump has to be replaced.

Water pumps can fail in two ways: they can spring a leak or their bearings fail. Leaks can come from a cracked pump but usually develop at the gasket where the pump attaches to the engine.

Occasionally a low-pitched grinding sound coming from the water pump is an indication it is time for a new one. If you see coolant leaking in the area near the pump, it may need to be replaced. Coolant on the driveway could indicate water pump failure. Many water pumps aren't visible because they are hidden under a plastic cover or behind other components like the timing cover.

If your water pump is run by the timing belt, then it should be replaced when you replace the belt. Most timing belts need to be replaced at around 60,000 to 90,000 miles. The labor for replacing a timing belt is about 90% the same for replacing a water pump, so it's cost-effective to take care of them both at the same time.

Replacing a water pump in your vehicle is something that almost all of us face eventually. They don't last forever. If you think you may have a cooling problem with your vehicle, whether water pump related or not, schedule an appointment to drop off your vehicle at Clay County Transmission & AutoCare for a free inspection.

Clay County Transmission
2485 CR 220 2456 Blanding Blvd 8333 103rd Street
Fleming Island/OP Middleburg/Oakleaf Westside/Argyle
904-264-2874 904-282-9771 904-619-4631
http://WWW.CLAYCOUNTYTRANS.COM

At Clay County Transmission III Inc we install quality NAPA replacement parts.