Jim Grant's Tech Tips
Water Pump and Timing Belt?
Q:
I just
took my car to Pep Boys and they just found a leak in my water pump. I
don't really think that it just happened because I just had it in the
shop about two weeks ago. But they told me that to replace the water pump,
that I "HAVE" to replace the timing belt and all this other
stuff with new parts. I want to know if that is true. Also what can I
do until I gather enough money to repair the car?
A:
What
can you do until you gather enough money? Avoid driving the vehicle. Overheating
an engine is a sure fire way to empty the check book. You did not mention
what type of vehicle you own so it is not easy to tell you what you can
and cannot get away with. It is not uncommon on today's vehicles for the
water pump to be driven by the timing belt. To service the water pump
on a vehicle with this type of configuration requires removing the timing
belt. As my Grandfather use to say you're on the edge of ruining a nickel
pocket knife to shave a penny off a (can't print that part). You do not
have to replace the timing belt when this work is being done. But all
you're saving is the cost of the timing belt. All the labor money is tied
up in replacing the water pump. There are also some oil seals that are
ideally serviced while the timing belt is off as well. Many manufacturers
have recommended timing belt service intervals between 60k and 90k. If
your timing belt has that kind of mileage on it do yourself a favor and
have it replaced while the water pump is being serviced. If the timing
belt has low mileage, then don't replace it if monies are tight. The bottom
line? You call the shots, it's your car and your money. If all you want
is a water pump, and understand fully the possible additional costs you
may face later by not performing the suggested repairs, just do the water
pump.
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