24 Dec Auto Water Pump: What are The Common Failing Danger Signs
For such a small, seemingly insignificant part, a failing water pump can cause catastrophic damage to your vehicle’s engine. You can think of it this way: the pump acts like a beating heart, pumping necessary fluid through a vital system to keep your engine alive. If it fails, your car can quite literally stop in its tracks. So, if your car has an overheating engine in Plymouth Meeting, PA, have a service technician inspect the water pump, coolant, and cooling system to find the cause.
What Is A Car Water Pump?
A combustion engine creates immense amounts of heat. The cooling system carries that heat away from the engine via engine coolant moved by the water pump.
How Does A Water Pump Work?
The water pump is near the front of the engine block, and the engine’s belts operate the pumping action. It circulates hot coolant through the cooling system to the radiator, where the heat dissipates into the air on an endless cycle. It may also lubricate the shaft and bearings to ensure a smooth operation. In some engines, it drives the timing chain or belt, which helps keep the engine’s valves and pistons synchronized.
Types Of Water Pumps
The type of water pump used depends on the vehicle year, make, model, and the engine’s requirements. There are several different types used in cars, including:
- Centrifugal: An impeller generates a centrifugal force that moves coolant through the cooling system. Vehicles known for durability and efficiency use this type.
- Gear Driven: Gears transfer energy from the engine to circulate coolant through the cooling system. Heavy-duty vehicles utilize them for their high flow rate and durability.
- Impeller: An impeller pushes the coolant through the cooling system like a centrifugal water pump. Impeller pumps are typically small and equipped in compact vehicles.
- Turbine: A turbine wheel moves coolant through the cooling system. They are very efficient and often used on high-performance vehicles.
- Vane: A positive displacement pump with a set of vanes (or blades) installed on a rotor to transfer coolant. They are reliable and often used in vehicles needing large coolant flows.
How Long Does A Water Pump Last?
Generally, it lasts 60,000-100,000 miles or more with routine maintenance.
However, as with all moving parts, wear and tear gradually degrades the pump. If your auto exhibits any of the danger signs outlined below, it may require replacement.
Other Components
Replacing the water pump might also require inspecting and replacing other worn components at the same time:
- timing belt
- water pump pulley
- serpentine belt
- engine seals and gaskets
Failing Water Pump Danger Signs
Overheating Engine
When your vehicle overheats, the cooling system isn’t adequately cooling down the engine’s heat. A rising temperature gauge or a warning light on your dashboard signals an overheating engine. Pull over, stop your engine immediately, and wait for it to cool down. Several problems can restrict coolant flow and create an overheated engine:
- Airlock: An air pocket in the cooling system will prevent coolant from circulating, often attributed to a pump leak.
- Low or Bad Coolant: Coolant keeps the engine temperature in an optimal operating range. If the temperature gauge rises and the engine overheats, the coolant isn’t doing its job.
- Seized Components: The shaft can seize due to excessive corrosion or bearing failure.
- Water Pump Damage: The fins on the pump’s impeller can shear off by debris or freezing coolant.
White Smoke From Engine
The engine is overheating if steam or white smoke erupts from the radiator. The culprit may be a bad water pump or a defective radiator cap . Either issue can lead to excessive coolant loss, an overheating engine, and possible engine damage.
Leaking Coolant
Leaking coolant from the front of the engine is often due to a water pump issue. The pump gasket (where it mounts to the engine) may require replacement. Or the seal on the pump shaft is compromised. Minor leaks may leave a dried white trail of residue down the front of the engine, dyed with your coolant color. The leak may not drip on the ground because the engine’s heat dries it too quickly.
Squealing, Chirping, or Whining Noise
A squealing or chirping noise from the engine can indicate a failing water pump. It can occur when the serpentine belt slips or a shaft bearing is damaged. If a whining noise varies with the engine’s RPM, it might be a loose belt or damaged pulley.
Cooling System Repairs in Plymouth Meeting, PA
Plymouth Automotive & Tire in Plymouth Meeting, PA, is recognized by NAPA, AAA, and the local BBB for superior service. Our ASE-certified technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s cooling system, including the water pump and coolant levels, to determine what is causing your overheating engine.
Schedule Your Service
Call our team at (610) 825-6558 or visit us online to schedule your next service appointment in Plymouth Meeting, PA.