BeaverAP1

Hi guys, I have a 2003 with 280k miles on it and I have isolated a loud bearing type noise to the water pump. It's not leaking, just making a lot of noise. Will just replacing the pulley remedy this? Or should I just replace the full pump w/ pulley (I'm leaning towards this route unless absolutely not needed)?

Slowcrash_101

You sure it's the water pump? Does coolant come out of the weep hole? It's normal for a small amount to come out through there because that's how the pump lubricates itself externally.

BeaverAP1

Yes I'm sure. as I already stated it's not leaking just making noise. It makes a bad bearing noise when spinning the water pump pulley by hand.

Slowcrash_101

If you're sure it is the pump, you will have to replace it. I don't think you can just replace the bearing on the pulley.

Luckily the pumps are extremely overbuilt so used ones are ok.

BeaverAP1

Yup, she's a noisy thing.... I know they don't typically go bad, but 280k is a good run regardless.

I have a new one on the way from BK.

B serious

They may email you to let you know its on backorder. As far as I know...they're 2-3 months out.

Maybe snag a used one for now?

BeaverAP1

Ah shit, yeah I saw you just ordered one too...

B serious

The last one in the US dealer network (so I'm told)

my bad my bru.

But maybe my guy was wrong. Maybe BK gotchu

BeaverAP1

All good man, I called BK and they had no ETA. I just went ahead and bought a Gates from Rock Auto and cancelled my BK order. Car has 280k on it so chances are even a cheap water pump will outlast whatever will break next.

B serious

Yeah, the Gates is what I woulda gone with in lieu of OEM also.