Auto Repair Encyclopedia
Water Pump
The water pump pushes coolant through a vehicle's cooling system. When the thermostat opens, the water pump circulates coolant to the radiator, where it is cooled. It is then drawn back into the engine, where it circulates and absorbs heat.
The rotating water pump can be driven independently via its own belt or run with the existing serpentine belt. Current designs use the timing belt to drive the water pump; therefore, you should replace the water pump in conjunction with scheduled timing belt replacement.
