loose water pump

[twisted frame]

How can I tell if my water pump is on its way out? The engine still runs cool, but when I grab the pulley, it seems like I can make the post move from side to side. When I look at that pulley with engine running, it's not spinning perfectly on center. Just wondering if I can fix this one before it lets go out on the road.

[nograin]

SHould be almost no side to side play. Probably on the way out - same as mine!

[woodybeone]

Funny you should mention that. Mine just blew apart Sunday night and left me stranded. No real noise but I saw the temp guage was pegged and I saw a cloud in the headlights of a car behind me !
The whole pully left the pump and was held on by the belt saving the radiator! Rollback ride home and time for a water pump install :(

It had some bearing squeal but it had no sloppy movement or overheating troubles. Usually a squeal is followed with excessive play in the pully shaft ( make sure the belt is loose when testing for pully shaft play).

If I were you I would get a new pump, gasket, and a can of PB Blaster to spray all of the bolts a few times before you start in. Give yourself about 4 hours or more because you have to remove bolts and move the steering pump/air pump, alternator, and compressor out of the way. It's kind of a big job for FSJ's with all of those accessories.
If your motor might not have all of that stuff so it may be easier.

Good luck ! smile.gif

[steamer]

Your water pump is gone if you have any side play in the fan shaft. Since the bearings are mounted outside the seal, they can fail long before the pump begins to leak or lock up altogether. Don't take a chance, replace it now.

[oddfire]

Agree with Steamer, its near death. Fix it now before it leaves you stranded............phil

P.S. 3.5 hour job last time I did it.

[twisted frame]

Thanks very much! I'll be on that this weekend!

[The Anti-Chrysler]

Yeah, and the pump impeller can gouge the inside of the timing cover!!!!!!