What is the common failure mode for the water pump? Does it have a weep hole? Would it allow a steady drip when it fails?

A few weeks ago, I noticed coolant dripping from the front passenger-side corner of the engine. It was an infrequent drip, but for the last few months I had been noticing that the coolant overflow tank was empty, so I kept filling it. The radiator always was full.

Today, I noticed a pretty steady drip. The radiator was low, I had to add about 1.5 liters to fill it up, and I also added 500 ml to the overflow tank as it was empty.

Looking from below, the coolant is just dripping off the front corner of the oil pan, right behind the AC compressor. Can't see further up to see where the drip originates.

Took at look at the service manual, and up above the compressor and the alternator are three things are part of the cooling system: water pump, thermostat, and two bypass hose connections.

Thanks!

 

I believe the seal or the gasket for the water pump is giving you the problem,

It should slowly drip when the car is off...

check your main rad hoses though, I thought my water pump seal was toast only to find a pin size hole near the bottom of the hose.

 

There are two o-rings for the water pump and they harden up really bad overtime which allows coolant to seep through the water pump, which has a little hole in the middle. You can either by the rings at the dealer for 5 bucks each or by the water pump from amazon oem which comes with the rings for 70.00 since your going to have to take the pump apart anyways.

 

Yes, the water pump weep hole exits behind the AC pump.

 

They discussed that problem in this video: