I will be replacing my timing belt soon. The dealer is suggesting that I also replace the water pump. Is that really necessary? When do water pumps normally go out?
Look at it this way. It is not just the dealer making this recommendation, it's every good mechanic out there plus Gates belt company who has no stake in it, they recommend replacing water pump and the car manufacturer says the same. No one is trying to rip you off but they are trying to save you money. In answer to your question about when do water pumps normally go out, the answer is right after you change just the timing belt and everything is buttoned back up. Trust me, it happened to a friend who tried to save money.
The only reason they say that is because 90% of the labor to replace a water pump is already done by removing the timing belt. So if you decline and the pump goes out, you'll pay all that labor all over again. If you change your coolant when due and use the right coolant (not some universal coolant), then no, pumps don't usually go bad. But it's all up to you and your level of risk taking. Most people get talking into it because the dollar risk is so high compared to the cost of a pump.
Water pumps have bearings, some new cars use plastic impellers. Eventually these do wear out. As you paid all the labor to get at the water pump, might as well replace it with a new one.
The labor involved in replacing a timing belt will normally cover the installation of a water pump as well. The reason the dealer is recommending the water pump replacement at this time is that the labor involved in changing the timing belt makes it much more cost effective for you to do it at this time. Even though your water pump is working great right now, if you need to replace it in the future, the labor cost will be enormous and close to the cost of replacing your timing belt alone.
Nearly all engines with timing belt driven water pumps sholuld have BOTH replaced along with new rollers at certain intervals. It is an ACCEPTED from of preventative maintenance. ON many engines, the TIMING belt prevents valve damage, and the water pump bearings are used as another roller in the timing event. YOu are ALWQAYS better of by replacing ALL things involved, and by usingg ONLY the factory parts or factory timing betl KIT. ALso you should use ONLY the factory coolant type, as it will prevent further cooling system degradation over time. There is NO such thing as a universal coolant. WHAT KIND OF CAR IS THIS?? year, make,model and country of origin?
