Do you need to replace timing belt on water pump?
Many engines also utilise the timing belt to drive the water pump, which can also seize with the same consequences as failed tensioners, so you should not think that your garage is profiteering by suggesting that the water pump needs to be replaced as well.
How often should I change my timing belt?
Some engines are worse than others at suffering from water pump degradation but the general advice is to replace it at every second cam-belt change. Timing belts tend to bear against at least one tensioner and idler, plus at least two pulleys or more.
What happens if you have a timing belt failure?
In an interference-type engine, timing belt failure usually causes the pistons to collide with the inlet and exhaust valves. At the very least, the valves will be bent and a technician will need to remove the engine’s cylinder head to replace them. In some cases, pistons can be holed, cylinder heads can be damaged and camshafts can be broken.
Which is more expensive a tensioner or a timing belt?
The good news is that timing belts, tensioners and even water pumps tend to be inexpensive. Unfortunately, because extensive dismantling is often required to reach these parts, the labour charge is likely to be far greater than the combined cost of the individual parts.
Can you replace the timing belt and water pump at the same time?
It’s best not to gamble in a situation like that and just get the water pump replacement done at the same time as the timing belt. If your car is already on its second timing belt replacement, you’ll probably want to replace the water pump and other belts at the same time. Another consideration is what kind of engine your car has.
Do you replace the water pump at the same time?
Considering that water pumps generally do not cost a lot, it makes sense to do both at the same time. Not replacing the water pump on these vehicles 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.
Where do you take the timing belt out of a car?
Put the engine in gear (to prevent it spinning when you’re removing the timing belt) and engage the handbrake. The fan belt and power steering belt sit beside the cover which houses the timing belt and water pump, so you’ll need to remove them first.
What happens if the timing belt fails on a Porsche Cayman?
And if the timing belt fails, whether due to simple age, or the failure of a tension pulley or bearing, the water pump will likely fail along with it. Also, as with the Porsche Cayman’s RMS, the water pump isn’t easy to get at. In fact, ClickMechanic and NAPA explain, you can’t get at the water pump without first exposing the timing belt.