2004 Toyota Corolla Water Pump Leaking

JENNIE99

MEMBER
2004 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
96,000 MILES

I have had my corolla since it was brand new. I have had all the scheduled maintenance done and oil changes every 3-4,000 miles at my local dealership. I was told to replace the water pump (dealership said it was leaking, and the chain tensioner at 59,120 miles, just under the 60,000 mile warranty expiration. I didn't have to pay for the water pump because of the warranty, but I did have to pay for the chain tension (only covered until 30,000). Now at 96,000 miles I have been told that I need to replace the water pump again because it's leaking. This time I will have to pay for it around $400 they said. My question is should the water pump only have lasted about 37,000 miles, seems strange, is there maybe some underlining problem that is causing the water pump to break. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

2 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

Yes, there is and underlying problem. The belt tension, the pulley on the WP, or the part itself.

Did they use a Toyota part?

I would also call them on the chain tensioner, it would also have been under warranty, it is NOT considered a consumable like brake pads, or clutch.

Have them show you (in writting) where the chain tensioner is NOT covered, or only covered to 30K.

Shame on them.

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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 4:50 PM

JENNIE99

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for responding to my question. I got the previous work done at the dealership for the water pump and chain tensioner so I assume that they used toyota parts. Over the weekend I had a friend (mechanic) install a new water pump when we looked at the water pump one of the bolts was never tightened all the way and was sticking out (he said that this was probably the cause of the leaking water pump ( I took pictures of the loose bolt and the bolt itself which was still shiney at the top about 1/4 inch). I had two techs from the toyota dealership look at the water pump when they told me it was leaking and neither of them noticed that bolt was loose, I'm thinking maybe they couldn't see it because of the serpentine belt which is somewhat in the way. But I still think that when they told me it was leaking that they should have looked at it a little better. Hopefully it won't happen again and the Toyota water pump that I purchase from the dealership will not have any problems. I will ask them about the chain tensioner warranty question.

Thanks again!

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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 4:50 PM