Is it normal for the water pump to make a little noise? sounds a little like a gurgling sound. i took the belt off for a second to see if it went away and it did, and when i spun the pulley on the pump u could hear a little noise. is this normal or signs of a failing pump? its not too loud, and i dont think most people would notice it, im just paranoid when i hear something under the hood besides the engine.

 

I suppose you already checked fluid level?

How old is the pump? Personally, I'd change it if it made any noice. Mine makes no noise at all.

 

well... there IS water in there. So i guess you could expect a slight noise. I never payed attention to mine, but if i did i would probably hear it.

 

If you can hear it over the engine running, it might be a sign of the bearing going out. Just keep an eye on it.. if it gets louder, you should replace it. Also, underneath the pulley, on the water pump, there are "weep holes". These leak coolant if the front pump seal goes out. Usually if a bearing dies, the front seal also dies. If you get water dripping from the front of the car, check the weep holes for coolant; if there's water there, it's definately time for a new pump. And man they're a btch to change... scraping the front cover is the worst- it's aluminum and gouges easily. When I replace the pump, I do my best not to gouge the front cover flange, AND I slather the new gasket up with Permatex "Hi-Tack" gasket sealant. It comes in a little metal can with a cap in the brush, and man, it is some insanely sticky stuff. A real pain in the butt to work with, but it does the job well.

 

I've found the best way to clean teh cover is to use a razorblade, but run it backwards... instead of angled at the metal, angle away, and run it across the metal.

 

its not leaking at all and it doesnt sound like a bad bearing type of noise. more like a gurgling, hard to explain. maybe if one of u gets a chance, pull your belt for a second and spin the pulley by hand, does it make any type of noise?

 

OHH, yeah. I just ran out and did that to mine. (heads and everything are already off, so the belt wasnt on either)

yes, its gurgleing because there is water in there, and there is no pressure, so some air is at the top.

When the car is running, the pressure should force the air out and it should not gurgle like that.

 

hmm so i might have a failing pump on my hands? can it be rebuilt or only replaced? engine has no trouble keeping under 220 even under the hottest conditions though.

 

Mine started out like that. After a week the shaft shot out of the pump and almost went into the radiator. Luckly the electric fan was in the way I'd get a new one as quick as possible, id rather spend the 30 or 40 bux for a new one than risk it breaking and overheating the motor.

 

Hey, thanks for the tip!! I never thought of trying that!! You can bet I'll give it a shot next time!