Replacing the timing belt is one of the more important jobs for engine maintenance. Most modern engines use this toothed belt to synchronize valve opening with piston position. When this belt breaks, the results are potentially disastrous. A broken timing belt can result in extensive and expensive engine damage.

When replacing the timing belt it makes sense to replace the water pump and any other associated components – drive belts, timing belt idler pulleys, tensioners, and tensioner pulleys – as well. While you may be able to get an additional 10,000 miles or so out of the associated components after the timing belt needs to be replaced, replacing these with the timing belt can reduce labor costs when you need to dive back in and replace any of these components in the future. Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to be proactive with the maintenance of your car, for a water pump and timing belt are a lot cheaper than a new engine.

To avoid this issue, vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the timing belt at regular intervals. These vary by engine, but 90,000 miles is a typical recommendation. Consult your owner’s manual to verify the belt change duration for your car. As with the water pump, timing belt replacement can be a big job, especially on a transverse engine, simply because it’s in such tight confines.

Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in the articles on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. Always consult a certified technician before making any decisions about your vehicle's water pump and/or cooling system as well as any other engine components.

Most water pumps are not particularly expensive, but getting access to them can be difficult and replacement can be time-consuming. In most vehicles, the water pump is located toward the front of the engine. To reach the water pump you either have to remove engine components and work in a small space to remove the pump. Either way, this is a time-consuming and potentially difficult process.

Water pumps are supposed to last for 100,000 miles or more, and they rarely die suddenly. Usually, over time, the water pump will begin to leak from the wear and tear of thousands of miles of use. While you can usually drive with a leaky water pump, it is generally a good idea to replace it as soon as possible.