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2006 Toyota Tundra

Question: How do I know if my water pump needs replacement?

Question

jim2006, 4.7L V8, Montebello, CA, December 31, 2011, 16:56
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I took my 2006 Tundra in for an oil change and the mechanic pointed out that my Water Pump was leaking. I have never had an overheating problems. How can I be sure it needs a replacement?

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  • Medium-star Best Answer
    PARTS GUY December 31, 2011, 19:06
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     Master

    If the mechanic saw it leaking then he would have had to add coolant. have you been checking your coolant reservoir for coolant level? If you wait for it overheats then that is to late. You should check all your fluid levels once a week.

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    jim2006, December 31, 2011, 22:13
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    My truck is a 2006 Toyota Tundra with 65k miles on it. I have never really checked to see if the coolant level was low. The reservoir was fine when I saw it at the shop but the radiator took in half a gallon of coolant.When the mechanic pointed out the water pump it was not leaking but had red residue around it. He explained it was a slow leak. I didnt really feel comfortable with him especially after he advised me it would cost $748 to fix. I dont want to make any repairs I dont need to make. Is this common with Toyota Tundras? Also what would be some symptoms of it going out and is it still ok to drive?

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  • Answer #2

    MATCO57 January 01, 2012, 05:41
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     Enthusiast

    It's common if you don't perform the preventive maintenance required. You have a leak. Coolant doesn't evaporate. If you had to add a half gallon of coolant you have a leak. Sometimes water pumps leak only hot or running. If there was a presence of coolant at the weep hole on the water pump then you need a water pump. The water pump is timing belt driven. It's about 5 to 6 hours to replace. What else do they want to replace with the water pump. It's 6 years old. If it was my truck I would replace the timing belt to. Just because of age not mileage. A timing belt is rubber. Rubber has a age life in addition to a mileage life.
    I agree with PARTS GUY. You need to check all your fluids at least once a week. Takes about ten minutes.

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  • Answer #3

    mastertech6371 January 01, 2012, 07:37
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     Master

    a small leak now may be a large leak very soon. I would be pro active and get it replaced before it lets you down.

    Roy

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    jim2006, January 01, 2012, 11:06
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    Thank you all for your help. I will get it replaced.

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