Is one brand of water pump better than another?

[2009CorollaS]

This 2006 Camry in my possession, 2AZ-FE engine, will likely need its water pump changed soon. I've read through some of the previous threads on this subject at TN forums, but I wanted to verify Aisin has their act together on their parts. Usually for parts like a water pump I'll use OEM, but I want to make sure that Aisin's replacement model pump doesn't still have a leakage problem.

[2009CorollaS]

Ok so I've been able to answer my own question and I'll stick with Aisin. However since this will be my first time attempting the pump replacement on this engine, I would appreciate any words of wisdom from those who have previously replaced one. I've found the Youtube video of the guy doing it himself and of course our DIY thread here.

My first question to anyone who has done this themselves, for the life of my I cannot get a socket wrench down in there on the pulley bolts. The only way I can get to them is with an open-ended wrench, and thus there's no way I can torque them properly. I'm even using my 1/4" drive sockets. Do I need to raise the engine up, thus removing part of the engine mount from the strut tower?

[fatngs]

there is supposed to be a "newer design" water pump from the dealer that replaces the old junk one..... whether its really fixed or not im not sure; my water pump took a crap at about 47k and the dealer replaced it under warranty and ive been ok since (upper 80's now)

if i do remember correctly LE05 went thru like 2 or 3 water pumps (installed at the dealer) but im not sure if the "new" design was used or not

in the aftermarket i would go with either beck/arnley (i just like thier stuf) or my store (advance auto) sells a GMB one with a lifetime warranty; ive physiclly looked at it and it seems well built and is stamped "made in japan"