Is the water pump on my 2006 Lexus IS350 (2GR-FSE) going bad?
#1
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Car runs fine and no check engine lights or codes, has anyone had this happen your car before? I have watched some YouTube videos about a bad water pump and it sounds similar I just want to make sure before I buy the parts.
Last edited by errrrrrr27; Yesterday at 06:35 PM.
#2
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
It does sound very close to a bad water pump.
I would buy it from any local auto shop JIC it is not so you can return it without hassle.
I would free the serpentine belt and spin each pulley by hand to see if any of them have significant play, or feel raspy, u know, signs of wear. If not mistaken, at least in Auto Zone is lifetime warranty, so if it does go bad again, free to replace.
I hate working on anything cooling wise, the coolant mess I can't stand it, so good luck, have plenty of cardboards, rags, buckets, and if you have any pets don't leave any open coolant jugs, pans laying around. The three 10mm pulley bolts may require a special tool when trying to loosen them and tighten them down. It can be done, it's just a hassle, I bought mine in eBay, like $20 or so.
*** I reused the original metal gasket, way better quality than the one that came with the kit, no leaks, do not use any rtv.
Here is my water pump video when it died on me
I would buy it from any local auto shop JIC it is not so you can return it without hassle.
I would free the serpentine belt and spin each pulley by hand to see if any of them have significant play, or feel raspy, u know, signs of wear. If not mistaken, at least in Auto Zone is lifetime warranty, so if it does go bad again, free to replace.
I hate working on anything cooling wise, the coolant mess I can't stand it, so good luck, have plenty of cardboards, rags, buckets, and if you have any pets don't leave any open coolant jugs, pans laying around. The three 10mm pulley bolts may require a special tool when trying to loosen them and tighten them down. It can be done, it's just a hassle, I bought mine in eBay, like $20 or so.
*** I reused the original metal gasket, way better quality than the one that came with the kit, no leaks, do not use any rtv.
Here is my water pump video when it died on me
Last edited by GrizzlyMan; Yesterday at 05:12 PM.
#3
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
It does sound very close to a bad water pump.
I would buy it from any local auto shop JIC it is not so you can return it without hassle.
I would free the serpentine belt and spin each pulley by hand to see if any of them have significant play, or feel raspy, u know, signs of wear. If not mistaken, at least in Auto Zone is lifetime warranty, so if it does go bad again, free to replace.
I hate working on anything cooling wise, the coolant mess I can't stand it, so good luck, have plenty of cardboards, rags, buckets, and if you have any pets don't leave any open coolant jugs, pans laying around. The three 10mm pulley bolts may require a special tool when trying to loosen them and tighten them down. It can be done, it's just a hassle, I bought mine in eBay, like $20 or so.
Here is my water pump video when it died on me
I would buy it from any local auto shop JIC it is not so you can return it without hassle.
I would free the serpentine belt and spin each pulley by hand to see if any of them have significant play, or feel raspy, u know, signs of wear. If not mistaken, at least in Auto Zone is lifetime warranty, so if it does go bad again, free to replace.
I hate working on anything cooling wise, the coolant mess I can't stand it, so good luck, have plenty of cardboards, rags, buckets, and if you have any pets don't leave any open coolant jugs, pans laying around. The three 10mm pulley bolts may require a special tool when trying to loosen them and tighten them down. It can be done, it's just a hassle, I bought mine in eBay, like $20 or so.
Here is my water pump video when it died on me
can I still drive it for a while or it is better to just stop driving it while I get it replaced?
#4
Pole Position
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Some speculate it was a bad batch of bearings used in the original pumps. Sounds like a valid theory as I don’t see reports of the same high failure rate after replacement. Our car (2009) had to have the wp changed out at ~51k miles in 2013 (prior owner records). It seems replacement pumps seem to last, though. I was contemplating changing it just yesterday, or waiting for noise. I found a GMB pump and gasket for only $50 at RockAuto, so I was contemplating just doing it. GMB is a global OE bearing, pump, CV manufacturer. Top quality, no need to buy Lexus parts.
#5
Pole Position
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
it does sound similar, do you know how long it takes to replace and what parts do I need aside from the pump itself and coolant, do I need to replace the serpentine belt too, thermostat, bolts?
can I still drive it for a while or it is better to just stop driving it while I get it replaced?
can I still drive it for a while or it is better to just stop driving it while I get it replaced?
You can get away with just the pump and gasket, and fluid to top up. Serp belt if it’s old is wise to do at the same time. Idler, tensioner not mandatory if they are ok. Those are also easy to replace later if necessary. There are several DIY threads and I believe a YT video or two. If you search this issue for the IS and GS, you will find a lot of info. Is your wp original, or do you not know?
#6
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Lots of people - it’s a known flaw with the engine. Google it and you will find horror stories - one member lost his engine because it dumped the fluid without warning and seized the engine. The coolant temp sensor does not trigger if there is no coolant to measure. You can be running dry a while before you find out (e.g. - when engine seizes).
Some speculate it was a bad batch of bearings used in the original pumps. Sounds like a valid theory as I don’t see reports of the same high failure rate after replacement. Our car (2009) had to have the wp changed out at ~51k miles in 2013 (prior owner records). It seems replacement pumps seem to last, though. I was contemplating changing it just yesterday, or waiting for noise. I found a GMB pump and gasket for only $50 at RockAuto, so I was contemplating just doing it. GMB is a global OE bearing, pump, CV manufacturer. Top quality, no need to buy Lexus parts.
Some speculate it was a bad batch of bearings used in the original pumps. Sounds like a valid theory as I don’t see reports of the same high failure rate after replacement. Our car (2009) had to have the wp changed out at ~51k miles in 2013 (prior owner records). It seems replacement pumps seem to last, though. I was contemplating changing it just yesterday, or waiting for noise. I found a GMB pump and gasket for only $50 at RockAuto, so I was contemplating just doing it. GMB is a global OE bearing, pump, CV manufacturer. Top quality, no need to buy Lexus parts.
#7
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You can localize the sound easily w/a mechanic’s stethoscope (or very long screwdriver). If my wp was hammering away, the car would not leave the driveway.
You can get away with just the pump and gasket, and fluid to top up. Serp belt if it’s old is wise to do at the same time. Idler, tensioner not mandatory if they are ok. Those are also easy to replace later if necessary. There are several DIY threads and I believe a YT video or two. If you search this issue for the IS and GS, you will find a lot of info. Is your wp original, or do you not know?
You can get away with just the pump and gasket, and fluid to top up. Serp belt if it’s old is wise to do at the same time. Idler, tensioner not mandatory if they are ok. Those are also easy to replace later if necessary. There are several DIY threads and I believe a YT video or two. If you search this issue for the IS and GS, you will find a lot of info. Is your wp original, or do you not know?
Trending Topics
#8
Pole Position
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
is there any accepted time frame from when you start hearing the noise and when the issue starts affecting performance, I’m very busy at the moment, I don’t think I will have time to replace it in a while and I need the car to get to work, if I can’t drive it I can just rent a car for a few days, is an urgent fix or can I wait a few weeks?
Was the cam gear recall done on this car? You can check that by putting the VIN in a recall search, or looking in records for the car in the Lexus app, if you use that.
I would get a long screwdriver and go around the engine and listen to localize the noise. In your video, the noise is loudest above the intake, and the sound decreases when you go near the pump. Could be the recording characteristics, but I would find the source of the noise first, which is free and easy to do. Google how to use a screwdriver as a stethoscope, or just go buy one. They are $8 at Harbor Freight.
https://www.harborfreight.com/mechan...vent_id=183117
#9
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You can visually inspect the belt, if it has any cracks or looks dry, rotten, exposed wires and so on.
Nothing extra needed besides the pulley special tool to hold the pump pulley. It can be loosen and tighten, is just a pain without the locking tool.
It will take around two hrs at most. IMO, the most difficult thing is the restricted space. Take pictures as you go along and I would have a cardboard to maintain the bolt pattern, w the holes made corresponding the water pump.
There are plenty of videos, watch any you find the most useful, multiple times. In many videos it states what tools are needed, just normal socket short and long sets, and typical open wrenches. Do remember you are tightening to aluminum so easy, once you feel it is tight, just go a tad more and that's it. I usually grab the rachet halfway on the last tightening round to prevent stripping the bolts.
The water pump has about 12 or so bolts, cant recall, and they are not all the same length, verify the correct one goes to each. Overall is an easy job, and the aftermath coolant mess. I already mentioned it, but usually the OEM gasket will do, unless it is corroded, no sealant needed. Then of course watch videos on how to bleed out the air from the coolant system.
Nothing extra needed besides the pulley special tool to hold the pump pulley. It can be loosen and tighten, is just a pain without the locking tool.
It will take around two hrs at most. IMO, the most difficult thing is the restricted space. Take pictures as you go along and I would have a cardboard to maintain the bolt pattern, w the holes made corresponding the water pump.
There are plenty of videos, watch any you find the most useful, multiple times. In many videos it states what tools are needed, just normal socket short and long sets, and typical open wrenches. Do remember you are tightening to aluminum so easy, once you feel it is tight, just go a tad more and that's it. I usually grab the rachet halfway on the last tightening round to prevent stripping the bolts.
The water pump has about 12 or so bolts, cant recall, and they are not all the same length, verify the correct one goes to each. Overall is an easy job, and the aftermath coolant mess. I already mentioned it, but usually the OEM gasket will do, unless it is corroded, no sealant needed. Then of course watch videos on how to bleed out the air from the coolant system.
#10
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Have you been loosing coolant? Is the reservoir full? Is there pink (assuming you are still using Toyota SLLC) crud or slime around the water pump/behind the pulley? If that noise is the WP eating itself, no one can predict when it goes.
Was the cam gear recall done on this car? You can check that by putting the VIN in a recall search, or looking in records for the car in the Lexus app, if you use that.
I would get a long screwdriver and go around the engine and listen to localize the noise. In your video, the noise is loudest above the intake, and the sound decreases when you go near the pump. Could be the recording characteristics, but I would find the source of the noise first, which is free and easy to do. Google how to use a screwdriver as a stethoscope, or just go buy one. They are $8 at Harbor Freight.
https://www.harborfreight.com/mechan...vent_id=183117
Was the cam gear recall done on this car? You can check that by putting the VIN in a recall search, or looking in records for the car in the Lexus app, if you use that.
I would get a long screwdriver and go around the engine and listen to localize the noise. In your video, the noise is loudest above the intake, and the sound decreases when you go near the pump. Could be the recording characteristics, but I would find the source of the noise first, which is free and easy to do. Google how to use a screwdriver as a stethoscope, or just go buy one. They are $8 at Harbor Freight.
https://www.harborfreight.com/mechan...vent_id=183117
Last edited by errrrrrr27; Today at 06:53 AM.
#11
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Usually the water pump will have a relief valve to give a heads up it's giving out. Check the coolant level and for any small streaks of coolant around the pump pulley, it will be like as if it is sweating coolant kind of presence.
If you should keep driving it like that? Let's say it is on borrowed time if doing so, that is the whole point of making the noise, unlike brake pads that they squeal, but still do its job for a long while, sooner than later for sure. Just for the record mine is a 2012 and failed just a few months ago at 88k miles, currently is at 89.5k. If it is your daily, well, it is what it is my friend, good luck.
If you should keep driving it like that? Let's say it is on borrowed time if doing so, that is the whole point of making the noise, unlike brake pads that they squeal, but still do its job for a long while, sooner than later for sure. Just for the record mine is a 2012 and failed just a few months ago at 88k miles, currently is at 89.5k. If it is your daily, well, it is what it is my friend, good luck.
#13
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Usually the water pump will have a relief valve to give a heads up it's giving out. Check the coolant level and for any small streaks of coolant around the pump pulley, it will be like as if it is sweating coolant kind of presence.
If you should keep driving it like that? Let's say it is on borrowed time if doing so, that is the whole point of making the noise, unlike brake pads that they squeal, but still do its job for a long while, sooner than later for sure. Just for the record mine is a 2012 and failed just a few months ago at 88k miles, currently is at 89.5k. If it is your daily, well, it is what it is my friend, good luck.
If you should keep driving it like that? Let's say it is on borrowed time if doing so, that is the whole point of making the noise, unlike brake pads that they squeal, but still do its job for a long while, sooner than later for sure. Just for the record mine is a 2012 and failed just a few months ago at 88k miles, currently is at 89.5k. If it is your daily, well, it is what it is my friend, good luck.
#14
Driver School Candidate
#15
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The bearings must feel smooth with some resistance, a bad bearing will have high points, it will feel too loose.
On mine when spinning by hand the pulley the feel was as if the bearings had sand just rolling on the metal ***** w no lubrication, and a little bit so slightly play. With a new pump bearing it has resistance, just like wheel bearings that feel heavy when new. Besides that, what others mention the mechanic stethoscope, be cautious it is a rotating piece and need to have judgement where to place the metal rod to capture the noise.
I think if you drive by any local mechanic, I did the same, pull on real quick and ask them, hey what's your take on this sound. Some shops will say, ahh u need to make an appointment while others may just go, yeah sure let me take a look and give you there honest opinion, even at any auto parts store if you can tell the guy knows what he is talking about.
Last option, which I have done some times, in regards to the work involved, go to a nearby junk yard for a is250, and attempt to remove it and see how it goes, muscle memory for when it's time to work on your car.
Good luck
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post