Maintenance question - water pump

marchantnick

Hi lads,
I have a 2004 Daewoo (Chevrolet) Lacetti, with about 30,000 miles on the clock.

Its due for a timing belt change, and the mechanic is suggesting that I also get the water pump changed while he's in there. It would be an extra hundred quid, so I'd rather avoid it if I can.

I know that it is a vital part of the engine, and it would be a disaster if it failed. However does it really need to be changed after only 6 years and 30k? I thought water pumps would last up to 100k before needing a change.

Does anyone have any advice?

cml387

Because changing the water pump requires removing the timing belt,they are usually done together to save having to remove the timing belt again later.
That said, how reliable are Daewoo water pumps?

30,000 miles in 4 years?

EPM

I'd change it and be done with it. Preventative maintenance is the way to go with such items

beachlife

Either change it with the timing belt or don't waste the money getting the belt done!!!! Belt rarely snap,more often belts break.
The reason they break is because something in the drive line "gives". Usually a idler bearing seizes or a tensioner collapses. or a water pump gives up the ghost. all of which cause the belt to :jump,slip,break etc...end result a wrecked engine

macroman

Prevention is always better than cure so get it done.

John mac

Isnt 30k not very early to change?

My renault book said 70k

hi_im_fil

There is also a time frame to get a belt done, not just mileage. My car is every 40k miles or 4 years, whichever comes sooner.

marchantnick

Thanks for the responses lads.

I bought the car in Nov 2008, and at the time it was 4 years old and had 18,000 - it had been used as an occasional run-around by one owner. I've since put about 15,000 on it in about 18 months.

I've been advised that the timing belt is due a change due to age, as the rubber may have started to perish. He suggested that the low mileage on the car may not have helped due to inactivity.

I've no problem with changing the timing belt, and he's also quoted for the tensioner, idler pulley, v-belts and seals. He suggested that the water pump should be changed, but it seems a bit soon for it to be done, and if possible I'd rather wait until the next timing belt is due (I expect in 2/3 years). What do you think, is he giving me good advice?

beachlife

yes.The correct way is to replace the waterpump aswell(this is the oem way to do it) I would presume that the extra 100 euro would include the new coolant and pump and would get him to put a new thermostat in aswell(probably 10 euro)That way you have a protected cooling system for the next 4/5 years and the belt is also fully sorted for the same

Harcrid

Spend the extra money now on the waterpump, because if it goes later on it will cost more than €100 to fix.