YAWP Thread

[Shark_GTS]

Yet another water pump thread...

My GTS had it's 1st belt and pump done at 47K miles and now 55 K miles later I've done it again. The REBUILT pump taken out was scary. The bearing was so loose, and it was amazing there was only minor seepage on the seal. I've been good about coolant changes too. I did detect some evidence of impending pump failure - but it was subtle. Another 5-10K I would have been toast. Not to mention the tensioner pulley was oval for some reason (installation abuse/dropped??)

A 1990 car I bought 6 years ago had it's belt shaved to 3/4" width due to pump failure. This was a dealer demo car, sold and driven by a couple of owners to about 65K miles with NO belt maintenance! The pump failed due to leakage and belt misalignment. The owner instructed the garage to change the pump ONLY (only what's broke ..too cheap for a new belt!!). I bought the car, couldn't believe it. After doing the full 60K miles maintenance + some paintwork and detailing it was a nice car.

My first 928S4 had a timing belt/pump that had been on forever. The damper was seized a couple of WP bolts snapped off. The pump was loose & noisy (not as bad as #1), tensioner was gritty too. My estimate a good 50K miles (odo busted).

I think there is a difference on the quality of pump you get. With rebuilds there is an unknown there. Such a critical part the pump is.

[Danglerb]

I think water pumps could be better, and I am a bit concerned with some sources that have sketchy origins, but I think most water pumps fail from incorrect belt tension or other install related issues. As things are right now I would order a rebuilt from a known source.