I'm doing a cooling system refresh. I got the aluminum T-stat housing, and custom bent 8mm and 5/16 wrenches for that nasty rear bolt. System looks fairly clean inside. 98 no supercharge 60,000 miles. Found the right coolant. now I'm wondering, while here to change pump. There are no symptoms of malfunction other than an occasional squeal/ screech that sounds like it might be coming from the pump. Changed clamps show that the upper and lower rad hoses have been replaced. My question is what brand pump. I know to stay with plastic impellor but it looks like most manufactures(when description available) have gone to metal. I also don't know which to stay away from. Help

 

I expect no one responded because they didn't want to get involved in another endless water pump discussion. Just use the forum search and you will find many opinions. I agree that replacing the pump isw a good idea.

That screech may be from the idler or belt tensioner bearings. Not a bad idea to replace them at the same time. Again, a search should identify a source for the bearings themselves so you don't have to buy the whole assembly.

 

In this thread Post #22 has the info for replacement METAL idler and tensioner pulleys with bearings for under $20 each. The originals are usually plastic. And remember when removing the pulley from the spring loaded idler that the bolt is reverse thread.



Dave

 

Thanks for the tip on idler pulley. I will check that out. As far as what water pump to use, I have searched the forum and the info has not been very helpful. I've seen at least 5 different makes of pump for sale on e bay or amazon or rock auto. most do not indicate impellor material tho it appears most have changed to metal which I don't want. I'm looking for brand quality info.

 

I think I put on a ACDELCO WP on my 03. Stuck with OEM stuff.
As for that HARD TO REACH BACK BOLT. Take the front cover off the plenum, that gives you the extra space and less hassle. Just be careful the bolt you take out does not get away from you and rolls UNDER the plenum.

 

As you have found, there are an abundance of different brand pumps out there. For my money, I would give particular attention to the gasket material. The metal formed and coated gasket is the best. Most parts houses stock Airtex. Airtex has a paper gasket that is, in my experience, prone to leakage. If you go with the Airtex, I have found that you must go back and retorque the bolts once the gasket crushes. You will likely find they are "loose" again. That typically takes care of the issue.