ABOUT USED WATER PUMPS FOR CARS

WHAT IS THE WATER PUMP?

A water pump is a part of a vehicle that is driven by a belt that derives its power the engine’s crankshaft.

WHAT DOES THE PART DO?

The water pump takes water and coolant from the radiator and moves it around the engine before moving it back to the radiator. The purpose of the water pump is to provide cooling for the engine’s components.

WHAT DOES THE PART LOOK LIKE?

The water pump is a small metallic part that contains a pulley for the belt and a tube to accept water and coolant from the radiator.

WHERE IS THERE PART TYPICALLY LOCATED ON THE VEHICLE?

The water pump is typically located in front of the vehicle’s engine and near the radiator.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A USED WATER PUMP?

Make sure that the used water pump does not have a leak. Check for cracking. Also make sure that the pulley is in working condition and fits tight on the water pump.. Finally, check to see that the water pump is compatible with your vehicle.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT A WATER PUMP BEFORE I PURCHASE ONE?

A water pump is a critical part of the vehicle. Therefore, you want to make sure that you do not buy a damaged or “cheap” water pump. Be sure to test the water pump for leaks before you make a purchase.

WHAT OTHER PARTS ARE CONNECTED OR THAT I MAY NEED FOR THIS PART?

The water pump comes with all the components needed for installation. This part is connected to the hose that runs from the radiator. It is also connected to the hose that runs into the engine. The water pump is mounted at the front of the engine. What signs of wear should I look at when buying a used water pump?

There are three distinct signs that a water pump needs to be replaced:

• Overheating - If the vehicle is overheating, then it could because of a faulty water pump.
• Strange noises - A water pump may also have issues if the pulley becomes damaged. This could cause the belt to slip.
• Coolant leak - If your vehicle has a coolant leak, then it may come from the water pump. A coolant leak will appear as an orange or lime green puddle under the vehicle.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A WATER PUMP?

A water pump should last about 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 10 years.

WHEN SHOULD THE PART BE REPLACED?

The water pump should be replaced if it has been on a vehicle for ten years, if the pulley is not able to hold the belt tight or if it is leaking the water-antifreeze mixture.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WATER PUMPS

HOW DO YOU REPLACE A WATER PUMP?

Loosen the bolts and remove the old water pump. Remove any old sealant remains and make sure that the mounting surface is clean. Before installing the new water pump, make sure that the other components of the coolant system are in working order. That includes the coolant hoses, thermostat and pressure cap.

CAN YOU DRIVE A CAR WITH A DAMAGED WATER PUMP?

While it is possible to drive a vehicle with a damaged water pump, it is not recommended. A damaged water pump can leak coolant and cause permanent damage to the engine.

WHAT SOUND DOES A BAD WATER PUMP MAKE?

A bad water pump will make a ticking, grinding or squeaking noise while the vehicle is in operation.