Group,

My 99 SE turned 146,000 miles a few weeks ago. I was thinking the other day that the stock water pump has the same amount of mileage on it and to me that is a lot. Anyone know what the life expectancy is out of a maxima water pump? Also, how much are they to replace once they go bad? Thanks.

Chris

 

i replaced mine at about 155k-160k just because. bought a lifetime replacement pump from advance auto parts for around $50, labor was around $200

 

Mine just now is failing at about 100k, leaks about a gallon every few days. Just going to take my tax return and buy a 3.5 most likely.

 

that sounds just about right on price

 

What happened that you replaced it, was it leaking or overheating?

 

dont you still have to swap out all of your accessories?

 

Mine began to fail at 130k, got it changed for $375 before it got any worse. Definitely shop around, don't take the first estimate that you're given. shops around here varied wildly with respect to labor costs. One guy quoted me $700

 

Youll have to get a new water pump anyway

-matt

 

I'm at 181k and mines just seeping around the access cover a little but no major leaks "yet".....

 

But changing it will be a lot easier.

 

My thoughts exactly. Already have the chain off, water pump will be no problem. Ahh, excuses.

 

wondering--do water pumps usually go because of age (years in car) or due to the mileage? ex: car from 1997 (mine) has 90K...alot of city driving or will a car say in 1999 with 200K go first--generally? I was just curious.

 

My theory is never changing the coolant, or using the wrong kind of coolant.

A bad water pump usually has a problem with the mechanical seal. These usually fail due to deposits or dirt.

Dave

 

The maxima water pump usually never actually breaks, they are built VERY well...usually the seals go way before the pump actually needs to be changed...but since you have to take out the pump to change the seals anyways...most just change the pump since it requires such a headache to get it out just for the seels anyways..

 

8 years and 130,000 miles and mine is fine.
Buddies car is going on 10 years, 210,000 and the pump is still fine.

 

265k+-no change

 

95 max.... 230+.... n still running strong....

 

99 max, 146k no problems.

 

I think its all the luck of the draw. Some last 120K some last 220K. It really all depends

-matt

 

I had the water pump replaced at 160,000 miles. The pump is not very expensive, but the labor will be. It's a tough fix. Also you might as well replace the belts since they have to come off.

 

just got mine replaced...had a slow leak since about 120k, and it turns out the person who owned the car before me never changed the coolant. i think it depends on that, b/c my buddys got 180k on his max an his water pump is just fine and he changs his coolant a lot..while you got the cover off, might as well do the timing components if u got the money

 

change the water pump not an easy,it must be remove right side engine mounting and bracket. how to change it with a short way, some one may be have some good experience.

 

Sounds like changing the coolant is the ticket to a long lasting water pump!

I'm at 135k and water pump is fine so far. I will be changing out my coolant every year and flushing it with distilled water before that!! Cheap insurance!

 

I'm at 147k and regular coolant changes (every 2 yrs) is the way to go.

 

I changed my waterpump at about 99K. I didn't need it but I was in there anyway replacing A/C condenser. All my prior experience with water pumps (VWs!) was that they don't last even up to 99K. I regret doing it because now I have a coolant leak and I think its because I replaced the water pump and messed up a seal or something. My coolant leak is the only problem with my Max and I caused it! My new mantra will be if it ain't broke...don't fix it. Rich

 

My 96 water pump failed at 190k.
The thermostat failed two weeks earlier so you might as
well change that too since you don't want to be stranded
somewhere.

 

can a leaky water pump cuse the heat )on hot temp) to blow out cold air and heat up during driving but cool down once again at a stand still?

 

141,000 and and have my first fuild leak - coolant. Very slight, hard to tell where it is coming from. I had it pressure tested and the best they could say was a bit at the pump area.

Since Dec maybe the coolant is down 1.5 to 2".

If I replace the water pump, I may do the chain tensioner as well. (have it done) as I hear a slight rattle when the car is cold and accelerating. It goes away when the car warms up.

 

flush every year and use distilled water, good anti-freeze you'll go forever

 

Went ahead and decided to replace mine two days ago, a simple waterpump job turned into an impromptu foray into the timing cover when the tensioner piston and spring decided to make a trip down there, ending up next to the crank gear.

Fun, especially when the engine's still in the car. ...yea.

Putting her back together today, hopefully she'll run just fine.