Cooling
Water Pump Failure — Symptoms and Replacement Guide
A failing water pump causes coolant leaks, overheating, and a whining noise from the front of the engine. Prompt replacement prevents engine damage.
The water pump circulates coolant through the engine and radiator. Common failure modes include bearing failure (causing a whining or grinding noise), seal failure (causing coolant to leak from the weep hole), and impeller corrosion or breakage (reducing coolant flow). On many vans, the water pump is driven by the timing belt, so it is often replaced at the same time as the belt. If you notice coolant dripping from the front centre of the engine, a whining noise that changes with engine speed, or the engine running hotter than normal, the water pump should be inspected immediately.
Key takeaways
- Coolant leaking from the front centre of the engine is the most obvious sign
- A whining noise from the timing belt area often means the pump bearing is failing
- Replace the water pump with the timing belt if they share a drive system
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