How to Determine if a Car Water Pump is Damaged?

[ORebecca]

The main symptoms of a damaged car water pump include an increase in the engine's water temperature that does not decrease, water leakage near the water pump area of the engine, unusual noises from the water pump after starting the engine, and unstable idling. The most common issue with most car water pumps is leakage. The primary cause of leakage is inadequate sealing, which allows coolant to seep into the water pump's bearings, washing away the lubricant and leading to bearing damage. This type of leakage is internal. External leakage is also a major cause of water pump failure, including aging of engine seals and gaskets due to prolonged use or internal leakage in the heater. If the car water pump produces noticeable noise, it indicates internal damage. The main causes of noise are bearing failure or the impeller loosening during rotation, gradually detaching from the shaft, resulting in noise. Water pump failure can also increase the rotational resistance of the pump. Since the water pump is connected to the timing belt, increased resistance can directly affect the engine's rotation. At idle, this manifests as fluctuations in RPM after starting, especially in winter, and may even lead to engine stalling.