What it does
The water pump pushes coolant through the engine and radiator to keep the engine from overheating. Most are turned by a belt, though some newer vehicles use electric pumps.
Common symptoms
- A coolant leak at the front of the engine, often dripping from a small weep hole below the pump
- A sweet smell after driving, or a green, orange or pink puddle under the vehicle
- Always having to add coolant
- Whining, grinding or squealing from the front of the engine
- The engine running hot or overheating, sometimes with steam from under the hood
- On some engines with the pump inside, milky oil from coolant leaking into it
What to look for
- Engine cold: look around the pump for drips or crusty dried coolant trails.
- Coolant level: check the overflow tank with the engine cold. Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine.
- Pulley play: with the engine off, grab the pump pulley and try to rock it. Any wobble means the bearing is worn.
- Oil: pull the dipstick. Milky, chocolate-milk-looking oil means coolant is getting into it.
Could be something else
Coolant leaks can also come from hoses, the radiator or the thermostat housing. Noise can be the belt or another pulley. Overheating can be a thermostat, a cooling fan or low coolant. Milky oil can also mean a head gasket.
Is it safe to drive?
Once a water pump is leaking or noisy, it should be replaced. If your temperature gauge climbs, pull over and shut the engine off. Driving an overheating engine can warp the cylinder head or blow the head gasket.
Related: Bad thermostat symptoms · Serpentine belt and tensioner
Think it's your water pump? Northwoods can check it right where your vehicle sits, anywhere in the greater Twin Ports area.