06 Camry Water Pump leak under warranty denied by Toyo

[johnfrisco]

My friend (a mechanic) diagnosed my car with a leaking/seeping Water Pump. Water Pump is still under warranty. Brought it to Glenn Toyota today in Fair Lawn.
First time they called me they said it’s normal for the pump to seep under pressure through the seep whole. Also said leak is too small to justify to get reimbursed from Toyota Corp.

2nd time I talked to them they said Mechanic said shows no signs of coolant leakage.

3rd time I had a conference call with them and my mechanic friend and they offered to have a regional tech take a look at the pump. But I don’t trust them. What do you think?

I am definitely losing coolant (small leak). No signs from the radiator and my friend showed me the white corrosion from coolant around water pumps bolts. Car only has 47K miles and I read many threads on Toyota Nation about this Gen Camry has terrible Water Pumps.

[LE05]

Sounds like a lot of BS from the dealer you went to. Try going to another dealer? I've had very little trouble getting my water pump replaced under warranty at Freehold Toyota, even when it was a barely discernible leak. I'm talking very slight drips at the wiring harness near the water pump.

[arabianobsession]

If it's not leaking hard enough then no, they won't cover it. Gotta love that, eh?

[johnfrisco]

Originally Posted by arabianobsession

If it's not leaking hard enough then no, they won't cover it. Gotta love that, eh?

Thanks for everyone's replies.

Any recommendations on after market water pumps for the Gen 5 Camry since OEM-Aisin water pump is obviously junk?

[hardtopte72]

They have a new/updated water pump that doesn't have this problem. We were replacing them with these and they are different. The worst pumps are the 09 and up 2ZR-FE xD, Corolla, Matrix pumps. Cheapest looking pump I have ever seen. The new design is standard Toyota quality but the old one looks like something I would see on a Daewoo.

[fatngs]

the bearing in my pump started to go around 47k..... when it finally took a crap it took the belt along with it and broke the tensioner

[jbrnigan]

Just google "water pump weep hole" and form your own conclusion. ANYTHING coming out of the water pump is an indicator of a pending failure. Period! If it's under warranty, get it fixed and don't take any crap from your dealer or Toyota rep. Having said that, someone will say "mine leaked for years" etc etc etc. I say they were just very lucky. Cooling systems should NOT leak anywhere. A leak in the cooling system can and does cause catastrophic engine failure (generally at the most inconvienient time - like on a vacation, 100's of miles from home).

[JohnGD]

Maybe check with another dealer, just drive up and show the service writer and see if that's something covered, just in case your present dealer is shoving you under the carpet. Then call Toyota corporate before the warranty expires.

Also check with the parts department and see if the current water pump has an updated part number. They should be able to tell.

For aftermarket pumps other than Aisin:
Gates (lifetime warranty) $42+shipping from rockauto. Local NAPAs also carry rebranded Gate pumps. Or $69 Bosch water pump (1 year warranty). You can also use the Zerex Asian formula coolant from NAPA about $11/gal.

Originally Posted by johnfrisco

Thanks for everyone's replies.

Any recommendations on after market water pumps for the Gen 5 Camry since OEM-Aisin water pump is obviously junk?

[johnfrisco]

So I bought the Gates Water Pump and a Gallon of the Pink fluid. My friend installed the water pump today.

There is obvious corrosion on the original water pump and the spinner thingee was tight to turn--my friend said that is because the bearings are going. The spinner spun much more freely on the new pump.

1) Should I bring the old water pump to the dealer and ask to be reimbursed for the new pump and coolant?

2) Since I had a friend install how does this effect my Power Train Warranty--1 year left on it?

Thanks!

[Glenn8963]

Originally Posted by johnfrisco

So I bought the Gates Water Pump and a Gallon of the Pink fluid. My friend installed the water pump today.

There is obvious corrosion on the original water pump and the spinner thingee was tight to turn--my friend said that is because the bearings are going. The spinner spun much more freely on the new pump.

1) Should I bring the old water pump to the dealer and ask to be reimbursed for the new pump and coolant?

2) Since I had a friend install how does this effect my Power Train Warranty--1 year left on it?

Thanks!

YES..bring ALL the paper work, even the bad pump if you can...

as someone else stated, there should NEVER be any leakage from the water pump. when ever there is leakage, no matter how small from that weep hole, it's time to replace the pump.

hopefully, you will be reimbursed, if not, make a big stink about it, up to the point of contacting toyota corp or even your state's consumer's affair unit. even a $25 dollar written threatening letter from a lawyer will get them to reimburse you. if you have to go that far.

[jbrnigan]

Originally Posted by johnfrisco

So I bought the Gates Water Pump and a Gallon of the Pink fluid. My friend installed the water pump today.

There is obvious corrosion on the original water pump and the spinner thingee was tight to turn--my friend said that is because the bearings are going. The spinner spun much more freely on the new pump.

1) Should I bring the old water pump to the dealer and ask to be reimbursed for the new pump and coolant?

2) Since I had a friend install how does this effect my Power Train Warranty--1 year left on it?

Thanks!

Since you had a bad pump and decided to replace it yourself, after telling us it was under warranty, looks like you're going to do what you want to do anyway. Take the failed pump back to the dealer and good luck and don't hold your breath. Shouldn't affect your power train warranty.