Water Pump & Timing Belt Kit: widespread defects and their signs

1. Worn and damaged timing belt.
   • Noise in the area of the camshaft drive.
   • Engine start is troubled.
   • Exhaust gases have blue shade.
   • Engine vibration increases.
2. Mechanical damages and corrosion of water pump.
   • Engine temperature gets high.
   • Leaks of cooling liquid colored pink appear on the pump body.
   • Noise from the water pump side appears during engine work.
   • Cooling liquid consumption increases.
   • Pulley free movement appears.
   • Strong smell of antifreeze appears in the cabin.

How to install water pump and timing belt kit?

Generally, car timing belt should be replaced every 50,000–80,000 operational kilometres depending on manufacturer’s recommendations. Despite the fact that lifetime of the water pump is slightly longer, this component is usually replaced together with the timing belt.

The timing belt and the water pump cannot be repaired, thus they are to be replaced in case of defects. This process is rather difficult and requires special equipment. Replacing the timing belt unit components is better entrusted to service station specialists. It is recommended to buy a new water pump kit and tension rollers as well, and replace of

all the components at the same time.

If timing belt defects were found you should also check the alternator belt because they have similar lifetime. Before replacing the toothed belt it is recommended to buy the V-belt kit as well in order to replace it if necessary.

Always replace toothed belts together with rollers and the cooling system pump.
It is advised to perform installation of the timing belt kit at a service station.
Average operational lifetime of the timing belt is 80 000 – 100 000 operational kilometers.