Replace The Water Pump In Your Car With A Chicago Auto Repair Shop

Located just beneath the cover for the timing belt, the water pump in your car regularly delivers coolant and water to the engine, which keeps it from overheating. While these tend to be fairly durable, a water pump can also break down frequently. This can sometimes occur without any warning whatsoever, but more often than not, the water pump will show signs that it is breaking down long before it fails altogether.

If there's a coolant leak near the timing belt, most likely it's coming from the water pump. Green, red, or yellow fluid under the car may indicate a leak.

Sudden changes in the temperature gauge, especially rapid overheating, usually mean that the water pump is experiencing problems. If you're able to move the pump back and forth, this means that the shaft and the related bearings have loosened. When there's an internal failure with the pump, the pump itself will still be able to spin, but it won't have the ability to supply the engine with water. Professional auto repair services often compare the pump that have broken impellers with boats that are missing pieces of their propellers. You may even find that your car can't stop when the water pump malfunctions.

Given that it takes a lot of labor and time to service the water pump, this is not a good do-it-yourself project. It is far better to have a professional handle these efforts instead, given that the best outcome is usually obtained by replacing the timing belt entirely. Although you do not need to service both of these things at once, doing so just makes sense given where the belt is found. The drive belt can be replaced as well, if necessary, due to the fact that all of these parts are right next to each other.

Several steps are involved in servicing a water pump. First, the auto repair professional tests the cooling system for leaks. Next, the water pump is removed (and replaced if necessary). A new radiator cap is installed, and the system is filled with new coolant. The thermostat may also be replaced.

Water pumps often last just as long as the timing belt which can be anywhere from 60k to 90k miles. Be sure to check your owner's manual to find the specific recommendations that the manufacturer of your vehicle has supplied.