how can i tell if the water pump is going out on my car?

Answer 1

Look up from the bottom and see if there is a rust line, or water dripping down.

Generally, a water pump will also have a small hole (a bit bigger than a pencil lead) on top or side (called a weep hole) see if water is leaking, or weeping out of the hole.

With engine turned OFF wiggle the pulley on front of water pump and see if water leaks anywhere. Try to turn the pulley by hand and see if it turns freely...

Answer 2

The bearing in the water pump is usually the first thing to go and that makes a skreeling (only word I can think of) noise. Don't confuse this with a loose fan belt which squeals (subtle difference). I would check the belt if you are overheating

Answer 3

Look for puddles on the ground and keep an eye on the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. If you have anti-freeze on the ground and the reservoir goes down then you have a leak obviously. As far as where it is coming from you better have it checked out at a shop if your not comfortable doing it yourself. Don,t let the coolant get too low or you may have big trouble.especially this time of year.

Answer 4

If coolant drips from the small weep hole located behind the pulley area. The pump propeller blades can deteriorate if you haven't changed the coolant often enough which would result in poor coolant circulation and overheating.

Answer 5

if you have a coolant loss, if you have a funny noise, if you have no heat, if you have the temp light or gauge doing funny things, just a couple of ideas

Answer 6

make sure its not overheated whith the ingine running open your raditor cap if you see circulation its not out just make sure not to open a hot radiator or you will get burn fromm the steam

Answer 7

If your car overheats would be one example