This Is The Smartest Tip Ever About Car Water Pump

Even though they sound pretty simple, the water pumps in your vehicle perform a very important task. They are a key component to your vehicle's cooling system and help coolant to move through its path and do its job.

The car water pump essentially uses impeller blades and centrifugal force in order to move the cooled water into the engine of the car. It acts as the force that allows the coolant to flow through the engine block, hoses and radiator, hence maintaining the right temperature needed by your vehicle to function properly.

Read on to know more about the various types or water pumps, how they work, how to install one and what features to look for in a good water pump replacement, etc.

The car’s water pump looks like a disc. They are circular and comprise a combination of steel and aluminium. Talking about the inner part of this device, it is also circular with chambers. A spindle is situated in the middle with several protrusions, which look like a paddle for small boats.

A water pump is in the car's front, which is in the front of the car engine. It can be bolted against the engine of the car or even on the mounting of the engine. If the water pump is properly bolted, it will keep it in the place even during rough drives. A hose is utilized to connect this device to the car radiator. At the same time, another set of hoses is utilized to connect the pump to the engine in a closed circuit. Then a fan belt is used to connect the central spindle of the pump to the engine output.

There are broadly two types of water pumps; centrifugal and positive displacement. Both of them perform the same task of moving the water from one place to the other continuously. Below you can find out what makes the two types different from each other:

1. Centrifugal water pumps - It uses a rotating impeller to help move the water into the pump and also pressurize the flow of the discharged water. There are three types available in the centrifugal water pumps, like; standard, trash, and submersible models. Even though all liquids can be pumped using this pump, they work best with thin liquids and offer a good flow rate as well.
2. Positive displacement water pumps - They are able to deliver a fixed amount of flow via mechanical contraction and expansion of the flexible diaphragm. These aren’t just used in automobiles, but also in other industries where high-viscosity liquids are managed and sensitive solid materials are also present. They are best for applications which require a combination of low flow, along with high pressure.

Below are few important factors to consider when choosing a water pump:

• The pump should be able to have a solid flow rate and horsepower
• Water pumps should be made of weather resistant materials which are needed for exposed applications
• The motor and fuel type should be as per your vehicle’s requirement (electric, gas, diesel, hydraulic, or manual)
• Depending upon the application, the total head discharge or maximum pump power should be considered

It is important to know how the water pump works in a car to appreciate its role in the cooling system and also to figure out if there are any faults with it. The water pump is basically a belt or chain-driven engine accessory, and it bolts to the engine. It can be found above the crankshaft pulley. An impeller is present at the pump housing, which helps to circulate the engine coolant. When the coolant passes in the engine block and cylinder head on to the radiator, it gets cooled down. This coolant that has been cooled down flows back to the water inlet present on the engine. The water pump then repeats the same cycle.

The following are issues you may face with the water pump:

1. Leakage from the weep hole - The water pump has internal mechanical seal; this is sealed to the shaft towards the cooling circuit. The job of the seal is to protect the bearings by not allowing coolant to pass on into the bearing assembly. Some seepage is common during the break-in period, but increased seepage and drips from the weep hole is not good. Also, if there's a large coolant bleed mark visible around the week hole then it indicates an impending water pump failure. Usually a contaminated coolant causes this level of weep hole leakage.
2. Leakage from The Mounting Surface - At times, you will be able to notice seepage, large coolant bleed marks or drips on or near the mounting surface or even on the housing. In such a scenario you can be assured that the water pump has not been installed properly.
3. Presence of corrosion and rust - Contaminated or non-compatible coolant can cause a defect in the pressure cap, this causes air bubbles and causes rust to form much faster. Look for signs of corrosion of the impeller fins, this will cause the pump to not be as effective in moving the coolant. Corrosion can also happen if mixing of different coolants has happened.
4. Build-up of deposits - At times mixing of coolants, or using the wrong coolant can cause deposits, sludge and scale to get built up on the inside of the water pump. This in turn will negatively affect the functioning of the individual components of the water pumps.
5. Cavitation - What we visualise as bubbles are actually vapour cavities. These can be seen in the coolant, which lead to pockmarking the individual components of the water pump. These areas get corroded away. These bubbles can be found at the inlet of the pump, where the coolant comes in. The increase in pressure causes the bubbles to implode and collapse with explosive force, thereby damaging the water pump.
6. Damages to the bearing - Rumbling sounds or screeching noises that may be heard from the water pump indicate a word bearing. You can check this by switching off the engine and observing the bearing from side to side and see if there’s any play at the shaft. Apply a little bit of hand pressure, there should be absolutely no play at all. A misaligned belt can be the reason for excessive wear of the water pump. Mechanical seal which is damaged will allow the coolant to leak through the bearings and clear away the lubricator.
7. Damaged or Broken Shaft - You can know by observing the signs if the shaft was broken instantaneously or with gradual damage. You may sometimes see that the shaft is either bent or broken and not working fine. If there's a clean break, then it was due to sudden overload or imbalance, whereas if the shaft that is broken is discoloured, then it was gradual. Excessive heat build-up can cause the shaft to become blue and then break, because of prolonged stress. This issue happens if the belt is misaligned, an over-tensioned belt will impose too much bending force on the shaft, this will force it to bend and cause shaft fracture. Lack of maintenance can also cause this problem, as excessive vibrations aren’t good for the shaft.

We have listed few symptoms to pick up on a faulty water pump quickly so that you can resolve the issue and save your vehicle from more damage.

1. Coolant Leak present at the front-center of your vehicle - If you can find coolant leak from your vehicle at the front of your car, it could be because of the water pump. It will be present at the center of your vehicle’s motor location. Why this happens is a little technical. The water pump of a vehicle comprises multiple gaskets and seals that keep the coolant in and ensure that there’s a consistent flow of it delivered from the radiator to the engine. With time, the gaskets and the seals wear out. They dry up and crack or sometimes break. This results in the leaking coolant. In case you notice coolant leak under your car seat, then you will need a professional mechanic to inspect the problem. The coolant will be green or even red. This kind of leak is mostly because of a leak in the water pump, which will require immediate fixing to avoid more complicated issues to arise in the future.
2. Rust, Deposit Build-up, and Corrosion of the Water Pump - A leakage in the water pump will eventually cause different materials to build around the pump. If you’re able to notice rust on the pump's surface due to contaminated or non-compatible coolant mixture then you struggle to resolve. A defective pressure cap will let in excess air which also causes corrosion. Deposit build-up happens because of wrong coolant; this will not only spoil the water pump but also impact the process of cooling the engine. You may also sometimes find small holes from corrosion in the metal, or cavitation - vapour bubbles in the coolant liquid that collapse with enough force to create cavities on the mounting surface. In such a case, you will have to replace the water pump immediately.
3. Loose water pump pulley making whining sounds - A loose belt can cause harmonic buzzing or even whining sound as it circulates, you may hear it from time to time as a high-pitched sound too. It will come from the front of the motor. The belt will become loose because of a pulley, which has also become loose, or if bearings that operate the water pump assembly aren’t functioning properly. If the sound, you’re able to hear from the form of the motor, increases as you accelerate then you will need assistance from a mechanic to thoroughly inspect your vehicle.
4. Engine is Overheating - By now you have understood that a failed water pump cannot circulate coolant through the engine block, which will cause the inevitable overheating of the engine. If this is ignored, then it can cause extensive damage to the engine, which will be expensive to resolve. The damage can extend on to cracking cylinder heads, pushing off head gaskets and even burning pistons. A higher than normal engine temperature showed on the gauge frequently is a sign that intervention is needed. And this could very well be because of the water pump. Get hold of a mechanic to help you narrow down the issue and resolve it.
5. Steam Coming from the car radiator - A sure shot sign of engine overheating is steam coming out of the radiator. This may happen while you’re driving or even when you stop. In such a case, pull over to a safe spot and source help from a mechanic. A non-functional water pump can cause the engine to overheat. Do not drive a vehicle which has an overheated engine, as it’s not safe.

Are you thinking of repairing your car's water pump on your own? Then there is one thing which you must have, that is the right tools needed for repairing your Water Pump. It is essential to make sure that you are outfitted with the right tools to get the work done properly. Have a look at some tools which you might need to get started with your repair work.

• Sockets
• Wrenches
• Screwdriver
• Pliers

For vehicle owners' choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability and trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related to the quality. So have a look at some top brands for car water pump:

• World Parts Water Pumps And Hardware
• MR.Gasket Water Pumps And Hardware
• Fel-Pro Water Pumps And Hardware
• Gates Water Pumps And Hardware
• Dorman (OE Solutions) Water Pumps And Hardware
• Edelbrock Water Pumps And Hardware
• Cardone Industries Water Pumps And Hardware
• Beck/Arnley Water Pumps And Hardware
• Trans-Dapt Performance

It is very important to arm yourself with information before you shop any auto part. We are here to help you dive deep into the names of the car water pump related parts.

• Timing Belt Kits 
• Water Pump Pulley
• Water Inlet Gasket
• Water Pump Seal Kits
• Water Pump Inlet Tube

Water Pump replacement cost can differ widely depending on application, the brand of the Water Pump and who does the work. All you have to do is to replace your faulty Water Pump with us online and then you can leave your car to the mechanic and pick it up a few days later. Just be sure that the car mechanic is highly skilled and has an excellent reputation. Sometimes the additional service level might cost you more than what you have expected. We also recommend you to take pictures of your car before you leave it with them so that you are sure that later on it is returned to you in an unharmed condition. The water pump itself may cost between $50 to $100 approximately. However, the labour charges can range between $200 and $450, depending on the difficulty level of reaching the pump.

Here are steps for removing and installing the water pump:

Step 1 - Turn off the vehicle engine and let the engine cool down completely. The water system has to be completely cool before you can move on to step two.

Step 2 - You will find a valve at the bottom of the car radiator; open it to drain out all the water from the system. For this you will need the pan to catch all the draining water. Double check and be sure that the whole system is fully drained out before proceeding further.

Step 3 - It’s time to loosen the alternator from its mounting brackets.

Step 4 - Now remove the drive belts carefully, these will be attached to the water pump.

Step 5 - The water pump will now have to be loosened from its mounts. Also remove the engine pulley fans.

Step 6 - Carefully disconnect all the hoses that are attached to the water pump.

Step 7 - Remove the pump by loosening all the screws and bolts that are holding it in place.

Step 8 - Inspect cooling system parts like coolant hoses, pressure caps and thermostat.

Step 9 - Replace the old gaskets and seals. Apply sealant only if needed and spread it evenly, also ensure you don’t use more than the amount needed to get the job done. If there is any excess sealant present, simply wipe off the excess before mounting the new pump.

Step 10 - Install the new water pump, be careful and don’t strike the pump shaft and force the pump on.

Step 11 - Tighten the bolts.

Step 12 - Re-attach the hose.

Step 13 - Refill with the right coolant as per the quantity specified for your vehicle.

Step 14 - Install the drive belt and make sure it’s in good working condition.

Step 15 - Perform a thorough visual inspection and see if there’s any leakage after the refilling of the coolant.