Newbie's Q: Is this an urgent problem?

[michael333]

Help me guys, my 90's Camry V6 recently has squeal noise coming under timing cover.

It first happened a month ago but occasionally, because I was driving just 30km everyday. But after last Sat's 200km highway driving, the noise is always there just like some small birds are singing inside. I was assuming it is time belt or pulleys worn and send it to dealership. But after inspection they told me it is the water pump's problem and will take a lot labour hours to fix that (about 4 or 5 hours, much more than only change timing belt).

Because costly I just want to ask you guys some advice if it is a urgent problem or not. What does a squealing water pump affect?

Thanks in advance.

[atobe]

don't do it at the dealership... well it shouldn't cause any problems if the water pump is working normally... check your coolant level often and if you see it getting low all the time then it's time to replace the water pump.

[michael333]

Thanks Atobe.

Yes, right now the pump is working fine. But the squeal noise is getting louder and more frequent, doesn't mean some parts of the water pump defective?

[Cyorke]

If the water pump is squealing then that means the bearings are going out in it. It may run for a year like that and never completely go out on you or it may lock up tomorrow and leave you stranded onthe side of the road. It is hard to say for sure. JUst be prepared to have it towed to a repair shop if it goes out completely. TO repair it you will end up replacing the timing belt and water pump at a minimum and possibly other seasl and idlers/tensioners. I would keep a close eye on the coolant level and the temp gauge. If ti starts getting hot then you need to get it off the road ASAP> IF it starts loosing a significant amount of coolant then you need to get it taken care of sooner rather than later.

[Mike Gerber]

^^^What Chris said. I think you have to ask yourself how long you plan on keeping this car. If it's only a short time, you may want to just keep driving it as is and take your chances on it locking up. If you are planning on keeping this car for an extended period of time, you might as well bite the bullet and get it done now. You will have to do it sooner or later.

Good luck.

Mike

[michael333]

Thanks everyone! Especially to nice Cyorke, so much detail!

I'll have it done ASAP!