Hi Guys,

For a few months now I've been concerned about an intermittent noise that I proved to be engine speed related. It is a screech that typically sounds like a cross between a thousand crickets and a high pressure air leak.

This would come and go typically not much louder than a normal engine sounds, but I could hear it. Lately there have been some pretty loud noises but they typically last for about 2 or 3 seconds a block or two after start up.

These are all engine speed related - goes away in neutral, gets louder with engine rev increases. After dealing with a failed crankshaft pulley 6 months ago, I know the pain involved if you ignore it and I am super sensitive to this kind of thing! I've also read about idler pulleys failing - that's all I'd need.

So I decided to get to the bottom of this.

Today I loosened the serpentine belt and figured I'd see how the pulleys sound if I turned them by hand. The first one I tested is the water pump - it is screeching with just my hand turning it. This is typically quiet right?

Assuming you agree, I'll fix it. A new water pump costs $35.00 the last time I looked. Thats pretty cheap, but let me ask: Is there any way to more efficiently fix the problem by unscrewing the pulley mechanism and replacing or working on the bearings?

I doubt it, but hey if you don't ask, you never know.

Thanks,

John

 

I'd just replace the pump. Failure risks overheating the engine which is probable death of same.

The pump is very easy to replace on this car. Also look for broken vanes on the one coming out.

 

You would need to remove the pump to replace the bearings, so agreed, replace the pump. You can find the procedure in the DIY Sticky, I believe. Also, use the search to get endless discussion as to whether plastic or metal vane is better choice.

 

I put a new pump on my 03 at 100k or so. I have no reason to think it was a replacement. The vanes were fine. So I thought if the orig plastic vane unit went 100k I will go with another for another how ever many miles. If you flush the cooling system as suggested intervals say I would not worry about the plastic. If you are in there do the t-stat housing also, it is right there, do it.
I would get this pump. Engine Water Pump ACDelco Pro 252 800 | eBay

It has the better metal gasket and o-ring set up I think. I bough a cheap one first and it was junk with no o-ring and a PAPER gasket. As for parts go on this car this pump is CHEAP so get a good one.
This repair job is EASY also. Make sure you torque it down to specs.