Life Expectancy of Water Pump?

[numberforty1]

I just inherited a 98 Camry V6 with 160k on it, and it just had the timing belt and valve cover gaskets replaced - runs beautifully. While these replacements were definitely overdue, I'm wondering about the water pump. Haynes never gives a mileage for having it replaced, but it seems like the one part that is bound to go at some point, but that people never mention. Am I right, or will the dead thing go on forever?

So, any general mileage markers out there for when the water pump will go? The rear valve gasket seems to leak like clockwork at 150k (I have two of this model, so I'm guessing 2 out of 2 means its a trend.)

Or any other experiences with this model at 160k?

thanks

[Venom_5]

my 95 Camry 4-cyl water pump died last year @ about 120k miles

some last for 100k, some last for 300k ... i guess it all depends on the conditions of the car/driving

[Stillrunning]

It's not so much how long it will last but how much extra labor is required to replace it. Whomever did the timing belt probably should have changed the water pump when they were in there. It's only about a $40 item. But if the TB was done at regular intervals of 60K then I would not replace the water pump every 60K but every other TB change of 120K. If the water pump goes it will probably just leak at the shaft seal which will show up as coolant draining out the bottom of the TB cover. I'd leave it for now and keep an eye on any coolant leak.

[Venom_5]

i have to say i paid about $700 to have the water pump + timing belts [and all that other stuff down there] replaced at a local shop

[RningOnFumes]

Water pumps are usually replaced along with the timing belts ( because of the labor invovled)

[touringcamry]

The Gen 4 Camry have a 90000 mile interval for the T-belts instead of the 60000 miles for Gen 3 and older.

[toyomoho]

As Stillrunning states, replacement cost is mostly labor. At next belt change if you still have the car, put a new waterpump in. When the pump starts to fail it usually give some indication such a leaking, noise, car overheating, etc.

Also check the threads at the bottom of this page.

[ASG14]

When the car starts to overheat, replace it....

If you had the TBelt replaced by a mechanic, and they did not telly uo to replace the pump, NEVER go back to them.

[Tom 2000]

I've had various luck with water pumps, but on cars that I owned since they were close to new with regular coolant flushes, they seem last well past 100K.

When I sold my 80 Celica GT, with 145K miles, it had the original water pump. When I sold my 88 Camry with 146K miles, it still had the original water pump. My Maxima with 184K miles still has the original water pump.

[71Corolla]

My 87 Camry has nearly 400,000 kilometers with the original water pump. I know I know I'm crazy for not replacing it. But last time I did the timing belt, it checked out and seemed perfectly fine so I left it alone.

If it was not me but someone else driving the car I would probably replace it. I drive in the city with this car, for long trips I use my 2001. As some people stated, it is a low cost item with a potentially very high cost result if it fails.

[Stillrunning]

Originally Posted by Tom 2000

I've had various luck with water pumps, but on cars that I owned since they were close to new with regular coolant flushes, they seem last well past 100K.

Yea Tom I agree that with good coolant maintenance the WP will last. I think the new pumps driven off the timing belt last longer because the belt tension essentially is self adjusting. Most failures I have seen in older systems were due to over tightening of the WP pulley belt.

I would also recommend adding a coolant system lubricant like Prestone's coolant additive. It helps lubricate the impeller shaft.

If I were paying someone to do my timing belt maintenance I would have the water pump done at the same time. I go every other because I know my maintenance habits and my labor is free. I've never had a water pump failure.

[ghettosled]

ive only had one water pump go bad on me, and it was on my 22-year-old suburban when it rolled 210k miles.

[Eye8Pussies]

the toyota v6 waterpumps last a good long time

you should be able to go every other timing belt change before it'll go. but if there are ANY signs of wearing, then get it replaced during your timing belt change

[MemphisR]

my water pump went at like 60 to 65 thousand if you got the 5sfe its a non interference motor, but be prepared to push if your far from home tho! haha that nite sucked

opps im an idiot i see you clearly wrote v6 on there, so you bastards get that much mileage outta one water pump thats not fair at all

[Venom_5]

^ i have a 4cyl and mine died @ 131k