How to Tell If Your Water Pump Is Bad

The water pump of your car is very important in regulating the temperature of the engine by passing coolant through the radiator and engine. Your engine may overheat and get damaged without an effectively working water pump. However, how do you know when your water pump is bad? This article will discuss the most typical symptoms of a bad water pump, the process of diagnosing the problem, and what you should do in case you think that your water pump is about to break down.

What Does a Water Pump Do?

Before we get into the symptoms of a bad water pump, we should briefly discuss what it does. The water pump is tasked with the circulation of the coolant within the cooling system of the engine. It extracts coolant out of the radiator and circulates it through the engine block and the cylinder head to maintain the engine temperature. This constant circulation of coolant prevents the engine from overheating and causing engine damage.

Common Signs of a Failing Water Pump

There are a number of indicators to keep an eye on when your water pump is beginning to fail. These are some of the signs you can use to detect possible issues before it’s too late and they result in expensive engine repairs.

Overheating Engine

Engine overheating is one of the most frequent manifestations of a bad water pump. The water pump is the part that circulates coolant around the engine, and when it stops working, the coolant will not circulate in the engine, leading to an increase in the engine temperature. When you realize that your engine is overheating or the temperature gauge is always in the red zone, then this can be a sign that you have a problem with the water pump.

Coolant Leaks

Another obvious indication of water pump failure is a leaking water pump. The seal on the water pump may also become worn out resulting in coolant leaking out of the pump. When you see coolant puddles under your car or when you see a slimy coating around the pump, then it may indicate that your water pump has a leak.

Unusual Noises

A faulty water pump may produce unusual noises. If you notice a grinding, whining, or squealing noise, heard in the engine, then it may indicate that the bearing of the water pump is worn out or the pump has failed. Such noises are usually as a result of a loose or broken impeller in the pump that may cause friction and noise.

Visible Rust or Corrosion

If you see rust or corrosion on the water pump or inside the coolant reservoir, it may be a sign that the water pump is going bad. The metal parts of the pump may corrode over time, which will result in decreased pumping capacity of the coolant. A coolant leak or low-quality coolant may often result in rust and corrosion.

Temperature Fluctuations

When the temperature gauge in your car is erratic, it could be a result of uneven coolant flow because of a worn-out water pump. A good water pump will result in a consistent coolant flow, and this will keep the engine temperature stable. When the water pump is faulty, the temperature may be normal then start overheating, which shows that the coolant is not circulating well.

Steam from the Radiator

When you see the radiator steaming, it is a clear indication that the engine is overheating which may be a result of a bad water pump. Failure in the water pump causes the loss of coolant circulation, and the engine may rapidly overheat. Failure of the coolant to reach the radiator will lead to the rise of steam.

Diagnosing a Bad Water Pump

If you are already having some of the above symptoms, you might be wondering how to prove that the pump is actually the problem.

These are some of the ways to diagnose a bad water pump:

Check for Coolant Flow

The coolant flow can be used as a means of checking the work of the water pump. Put the engine in gear, and run it until it reaches operating temperature. Then, feel the upper and lower radiator hoses. The hoses must be hot to the touch if the water pump is functioning well. When the hoses are cold, then it can be an indication that the pump is not circulating the coolant well.

Inspect the Water Pump for Leaks

Check the water pump itself to see whether there is leakage. Examine the vicinity of the pump to see whether there is a coolant stain or drip. Presence of coolant around the water pump or around the pump pulley is a sign of possible leakage, and this is an indication of a water pump problem.

Pressure Test

A pressure test can be performed on the coolant system to determine the presence of any leaks such as those attributable to a failing water pump. A mechanic will pressurize the cooling system to check whether there is leakage of coolant in the water pump. It is a typical test to verify a bad water pump.

What to Do if Your Water Pump Is Bad?

When you have a suspicion that your water pump is bad, it is important to deal with the problem as quickly as possible before the engine gets damaged.

Here’s what you should do:

Stop Driving

If there is overheating in your engine, or a coolant leak, pull over. Driving with a bad water pump may cause serious engine trouble, including a blown head gasket or warped engine parts.

Get It Checked by a Professional

Although a few DIY enthusiasts might want to change a water pump by themselves, it is usually a task suited to professionals. A mechanic will ascertain that the water pump is the problem and replace it should the need arise.

Water Pump Replacement

The procedure of replacing a water pump is usually to drain the coolant, take out the old pump, and install a new pump. A mechanic will also look to see whether there are any other associated problems like a broken timing belt that may have led to the pump failure.