Six Signs of a Faulty Water Pump (Function & Location)

 

The cooling system's coolant must flow swiftly to allow the engine to cool down, and the water pump makes sure of this. How can you tell if your water pump is malfunctioning?

A vehicles engine operates at a particular temperature. Maintaining this temperature is necessary to prevent the engine from overheating, which might seriously harm your engine.

To avoid a potential MOT test failure, fix any water leaks in your car before making your next MOT testing service appointment. The common signs of a bad water pump are coolant leaks in the centre of the front of the car, a loose water pump pulley, an overheated engine, and steam coming from the radiator.

What is MOT testing service?

The Ministry of Transport (MOT, or just MOT) test is an annual examination of a vehicle's safety, roadworthiness, and exhaust emissions that is necessary in the United Kingdom for the majority of cars older than three years.

It is essential to schedule a water pump replacement for your car before it breaks down entirely. To do this, check online for car garages in Reading and make a booking with a qualified mechanic. But how can you predict when your water pump may break down? Let's begin by quickly reviewing the warning signs.

The most typical signs of a damaged water pump are an overheating engine and coolant leakage under your vehicle.

Sadly, a MOT test failure might also result from these symptoms. To find out if this was the situation with your car in the past, use an online MOT history checker.

Can you pass MOT with major defects?

A "major" problem is more dangerous and could endanger other road users and drivers. It might also be a problem with negative environmental effects. The owner won't receive a MOT pass certificate until the problems have been fixed, which will result in a MOT failure.

How much is a MOT?

There is a cap on how much MOT test centres can charge. According to the kind of vehicle,

The highest charge for a car is £54.85 and for a typical motorcycle it is £29.65.

VAT is not charged on the fee.

The following is a more comprehensive list of the most common indications of a failing water pump:

1.      Leakage of coolant - If the water pump fails, it's possible that the axle sealing or any gaskets start to leak coolant. Thanks to the gaskets the water pump uses, the coolant is kept contained and the water flow is unbroken. These gaskets could eventually deteriorate and lose all of their value, allowing the coolant to leak out from beneath the water pump. If you see a puddle of fluid or coolant beneath the front of your car, you need to get in touch with a technician. You can do this by looking online for garages in Reading and scheduling an appointment. This suggests that your car's water pump is likely malfunctioning.

2.      Squealing Sounds - When the water pump malfunctions, coolant may leak into the water pump's bearings, drying out the grease and causing a squealing noise when the engine is operating. If your water pump is screeching, you should replace it right away since continuing to drive could be disastrous to your engine, especially if the timing belt is powering the water pump.

3.      Loose Water Pump Axle - The drive or timing belt that turns and pumps coolant through the water pump is loose. A loose belt could result from a worn-out water pump axle. If this occurs, the water pump will need to be completely replaced. You must take the serpentine or timing belt off in order to check the axle of the water pump. The axle needs to be replaced right away if there is any play in it.

4.      Engine Overheating - The water pump's primary function is to move coolant throughout the system in order to prevent the engine from overheating. If the water pump mysteriously breaks down, the temperature gauge on the dashboard will rise. Numerous problems, such as a damaged thermostat or a short in the electrical wiring, could be the cause of this, so you should always have a competent mechanic have a look at it. If not, there is a chance that the head gasket, the cylinders, and the pistons will suffer significant damage, which could reduce the engine's lifespan as a whole.

5.      White Smoke Emanating from The Radiator - If you notice white smoke coming from your radiator, you have a water pump failure right in front of your face. An overheated engine, which may occur if the water pump isn't operating properly, is what causes the steam in the radiator. It is safer to stop driving if this issue arises, let the engine cool, and then makes an attempt to contact your mechanic.

6.      Unstable Engine Temperature - You might also notice sporadic water pump issues because the impeller may be loose on the water pump axle. The automobile will occasionally overheat as a result of this, but other times it will run smoothly for a few weeks. However, when it comes to water pumps, it's always preferable to be safe than sorry, so replace it if you believe it to be defective.

A Water Pump is What?

When it comes to the engine's smooth operation, the water pump is crucial. The amount of coolant pumped into the engine is controlled by the pump. Its duty is to continuously provide the engine with clean, chilly liquid from the radiator so that it can function properly.

However, the engine won't receive the proper quantity of coolant and will overheat when the water pump malfunctions, which they do frequently. Water-cooled engines simply cannot operate without water; that is how they function.

Consequently, having a working water pump is essential. You should consult a mechanic to make sure the engine is in good shape if it malfunctions because you may notice some symptoms.

Where is the Water Pump Located?

Since the water pump is driven by one of the drive belts, timing belt, or timing chain, it is always situated nearby. This indicates that it is also mounted at the engine's front.

It could be challenging to view the timing belt if it drives the water pump. To see it, you might have to take off a lot of covers.

Start by looking for the water pump pulley close to the drive belt. There is a significant chance that the timing belt will drive the water pump pulley if you can't locate it.