Another water pump failure

[p38arover]

Late last week, as I was rounding a corner I heard a strange rattley noise that lasted a few seconds and then stopped. Shortly after I heard a screeching/whistling sound that was quiet and lasted for a very short time.

I couldn't work out what it was.

After about 1km, the whistling started again as I rounded a corner so I pulled up to check. The I saw the steam from under the bonnet. Initially thinking it was smoke, I was going to bail and let it go but I opened the bonnet to see water everywhere.

I assumed a blown hose but I couldn't find anything so I popped off the top fan shroud coverplate and then saw that the fan was cocked over at an angle.

Another water pump where the bearings had collapsed. This is the second pump where this has happened. This pump was new and fitted when I had the engine rebuilt 35,000km ago in Oct 2007.

When I got the serpentine belt off, I found the pulley was locked solid. I'd been hearing the belt slipping.

So, having NRMA Premuim Care, I called for a flatbed to get the Rangie home.

However, as many will know, I have a lot of luck with getting stuff.

After an hour when the towie still hadn't arrived, I called the NRMA to chase it up. I was told the truck's winch had failed so another truck had to be called. It finally arrived after 2 hours waiting in suburban Penrith.

Note how the impeller is off-centre and scraping the housing. The rear bearing has collapsed.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=60201&stc=1&d=1368003392

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=60200&stc=1&d=1368003392

[Keithy P38]

It always happens when your roadside assist are in tip top shape too!

Out of curiosity what make was your water pump?

[wayneg]

Was it loosing coolant from the pump when it went, When mine went it was leaking so the low coolant alarm saved any dramatic boil over. At least they are easy enough to change and not to pricey

[Keithy P38]

I believe he said 35,000km and oct '07 above

[wayneg]

I believe he said 35,000km and oct '07 above

Yep I re-read it and edited my post, obviously whilst you were replying

[p38arover]

Was it loosing coolant from the pump when it went, When mine went it was leaking so the low coolant alarm saved any dramatic boil over. At least they are easy enough to change and not to pricey

No loss of coolant. No dribbles from the hole under the bearing housing.

Would you believe my low coolant sensor failed a couple of weeks back and I'm awaiting a replacement.

[flathead steve]

Just for future reference how many people make them and who's the best quality ? Or can you rebuild them?:D

[p38arover]

Out of curiosity what make was your water pump?

I thought it was OEM. I'm not sure if it can be identified by looking at it. The new one is Airtex (made in Spain). I hope it's a good brand.

[PeterH]

Ron, did you have much warning in the way of belt squealing or did it just go all of a sudden?

[p38arover]

No warning at all. Ditto when I had a similar failure previously. In that instance, I'd been to the markets, was on my way home when the pump failed as I crossed Victoria Bridge in Penrith

I had to keep going to get off the bridge. Those of you who know the old bridge at Penrith know what a disruption I'd have caused if I'd stopped on the bridge!

(Not my pic)

http://expressway.paulrands.com/gallery/roads/nsw/numbered/stateroutes/sr44/01_emuplainstomtdruitt/inbound/images/200512_13_penrith.jpg

[mtb_gary]

So what is it about Penrith that causes RR water pumps to fail? :o

Gary

[Hoges]

judging by the state of the impeller am wondering whether rota virus had a bearing on it:eek::angel:

[vnx205]

It is a different vehicle and a different motor, but my water pump failed in exactly the same way.

There were no leaks and there was no noise until the bearing collapsed and coolant leaked everywhere. I had only just started, the engine wasn't even up to operating temperature and I stopped very soon after hearing strange noises. So there was no overheating.

I think it was probably the original pump. The failure occurred somewhere around 120,000 km.

[p38arover]

Just for future reference how many people make them and who's the best quality ? Or can you rebuild them?:D

Dunno. I thought Quinton Hazell was good but I'm now told that may not be the case.

Rebuild, no, I'd say not possible. They were once upon a time.

I couldn't press the impeller off today so I cut it off. This is what was revealed.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=60233&stc=1&d=1368099078

[wrinklearthur]

If you could dig a little deeper, I would be interested to know whether that old water pump had a plastic cage around its rollers.
.

[p38arover]

Once I eventually pressed the shaft out, it was a bit hard to tell - not that I looked. It is possible now that I think about it. Unfortunately, I've binned the bits that came out.

If I recall correctly, the rear bearing was roller, the front was ball.

[jsp]

they don't make them like they used to.......

The car didn't over heat at all?

[p38arover]

No, I think it was OK, John. I'll take it for a drive tomorrow.

[Roverlord off road spares]

Interesting on the pic is the rust on the impellor top coming from shaft. What coolant are you running?

[p38arover]

I don't think that was there when I removed the pump. I'd have to go and look at the impeller. I think it formed whilst it was sitting around, wet, in the open. Re coolant, I can't recall the brand - something from the bulk container at my local LR mechanic's workshop.

Edit: Found it - I'd asked for a copy of the MSDS at one time. MAVLON AUSTRON PG2000

Possible the same coolant with previous pump failure.

I've got Tectaloy Xtra Cool Gold concentrated coolant in it now.