How can I tell if my water pump belt needs to be replaced?
For v-belts, check the tension to see if it is still at the width of the belt or about a 1/4 inch. If your vehicle continues to make noises after replacing the water pump belt, then there may be further diagnosis of the water pump belt needed or a possible belt tensioner failure.
When is the right time to replace the water pump?
Generally, the idler pulleys, tensioner and water pump should always be replaced when the timing belt is replaced. In most cases, the timing belt drives the water pump, so it is the right time to replace the water pump.
Why do you need to change your timing belt and water pump?
This might be preceded by a ticking noise coming from the engine bay. In addition, the gasket separating the timing cover and engine block may fail over time, causing oil to leak out. It is technically possible to replace your car’s timing belt and water pump yourself.
What happens if I don’t replace my water pump?
If you don’t replace the water pump…. Not replacing the water pump during a timing belt change means if the pump does go at a later point, you will have to pay for the same labour again. It is likely the water pump will probably have worn after some years of use anyway, and will need replacing sooner than later.
When to replace timing belt and water pump?
In most cases, the timing belt drives the water pump, so it is the right time to replace the water pump. It is also recommended by the manufacturer. WORD TO THE WISE. Be careful when you call for an “over-the-phone” estimate for replacing a timing belt and/or water pump.
What to do if your water pump belt breaks?
Step 1: Open the hood to the engine compartment. Grab a flashlight and visually check the water pump belt for any weather cracking or breaks. Step 2: Push on the belt to make sure that the tensioner is working correctly. For serpentine belts, the tensioner should move as the belt is being pushed on.
How can I tell if my water pump needs to be replaced?
Mechanics can check for coolant flow by comparing the temperature of different parts (hoses) of the cooling system. In some cars, the flow of coolant is visible in the expansion tank. If a water pump is driven by the timing belt, it is often replaced as a precaution during the timing belt replacement.
What kind of belt does a water pump use?
Water pump are vital for the cooling system on a vehicle. With a malfunctioning cooling system, the engine overheats within minutes. There are two types of belts used to drive the engine’s water pump: the V-belt and the serpentine belt.