I recently bought an '01 with a 5.2 with 99K miles. I don't know the history so I'm doing all the maintenance like fluids, filters, plugs, wires, cap and rotor, etc. I'm wondering if I should replace the water pump. What is the life expectancy on these stock pumps? Is there anything else I haven't mentioned that needs attention?

 

It depends... Myself, at about 100,000 miles I'd just go ahead and replace the pump, thermostat, and all of the hoses including the heater hoses. If the heat's not strong, I'd replace the heater core and as long as I were in there, the AC evaporator, too. And the dash, if it's cracked.

Water pumps on these critters will go 60,000 to 80,000 if the coolant was not maintained, maybe double that if it's been kept properly fresh. But as in all other things your mileage may vary.

 

I personally would drive it till it starts to fail.

 

This.

 

+1 on this, unless you're pulling the front off for some other reason (timing chain), then I'd do it anyway, since they're not that expensive, and you have it off anyhow.

 

i changed the tensioner and belt when i did my pump,the pump will let you know when it needs to be changed

 

Not a problem unless it fails when you're out in the middle of BFE, which TX pretty much is entirely.

Failing the pump usually throws the serpentine belt, grenading it, and be dead on the side of the road.

 

Okay, this could happen. But they normally start to show signs of wear way before that point.

Dripping coolant, fluctuating temperatures, loud angry sounds....


Having to spend a lot of time in BFE will influence ones decision in prevent maintenance

 

Or if you would rather schedule maintenance at your convenience than be forced into a repair with no notice.

Myself, I believe I deserve better than to get stuck on the side of the road due to a vehicle failure I could have prevented so I give that to myself.

 

Actually no they don't, especially when it's cold and dark out.

Mine happened surreally in a metro area....but after putting in a 16 hour day and almost everyone has gone to bed.

CO E470 between University and Colorado. Suckiest introduction to my truck...lol

Barely got hold of tow truck and a coworker to take me home. All said and done about 2am.



I'm never sure what UU deserves these days...