Premature water-pump failures? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

John Gilbert · 02-21-2011, 11:56 AM

These new trucks seem to be time bombs. Three days after the 5-year extended warranty ran out on my '05 Sierra with a little over 60,000 miles on it the water-pump started leaking. I've noticed other trucks like mine that smell like antifreeze, so I suspect this is a common problem?

**lolife99** · 02-21-2011, 12:06 PM

Yes it's common.
Finally fixed my '03 silverado at 125k miles.
(some will have a minor leak for a long time, and never leave a puddle under the truck)
The waterpump-to-block gaskets turn to mush.
GM has a new design for the gasket now.
I also replaced the thermostat and waterpump, while it was tore down that far.

John Gilbert · 02-21-2011, 12:19 PM

Wow, thanks for the quick reply! So, it sounds like all I have to do is r&r a gasket? There's also a clicking noise that sounds like a kid's bicycle with a card stuck in the spokes, but I think thats coming from the alternator.

The coolant is sprayed all over the front of the motor, and stinks when the truck gets hot. It doesn't leak on the ground, but I don't want a cat climbing up inside and licking the motor... On the other hand that might be better than buying a can of Gunk.

JohnC · 02-21-2011, 04:24 PM

Yeah I just had the water pump replaced on my 03 as well. Had it in the shop for another reason, and my buddy called me and asked if I knew the water pump was leaking. I told him I hadn't noticed any fliuid leaking, and he said these trucks are bad about that. You don't even realize it's leaking.

droppedgmc · 02-21-2011, 10:48 PM

hmmm my 2000 has 91,464 miles with no leaks. wonder if they changed something from '03 on

JohnC · 02-22-2011, 09:29 AM

Mine was good up til about 112,000 miles.

Eyegore · 02-22-2011, 01:17 PM

My 2003 tahoe made it to 120K before I had to replace mine last week. There is a video on google that showed the step by step proceedure, I think it was A-1 Auto video, was a piece of cake, no problems.

NateK4340 · 02-22-2011, 06:11 PM

The water pump on my '02 started leaking at about 100k. I didn't know it was a common thing for these trucks. Thats the only problem I have ever had with the truck though!

JohnC · 02-23-2011, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateK4340

The water pump on my '02 started leaking at about 100k. I didn't know it was a common thing for these trucks. Thats the only problem I have ever had with the truck though!

That's a good point too. Even though it does seem to be a common problem, I haven't really had many other problems with my truck. Wheel bearings, the water pump, and the gauge cluster. Other than that no other problems at all.

Jonboy · 02-23-2011, 11:08 AM

Don't forget the steering shaft and door lock actuators.

spudz · 02-23-2011, 05:33 PM

your water pump is probably fine. THis is common and there is a new design gasket out to correct this. Even the felpro ones are good.

JohnC · 02-24-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonboy

Don't forget the steering shaft and door lock actuators.

Oh yeah thanks for reminding me. Actually on the steering shaft I just put the hose clamp around it on the inside of the firewall like has been talked about, and it's fixed.

The door locks is another story. They messed up again the other day. So I've just given up, and have decided to live with it.

02-21-2011, 11:56 AM	#1
John Gilbert Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Placentia, California Posts: 567	Premature water-pump failures? These new trucks seem to be time bombs. Three days after the 5-year extended warranty ran out on my '05 Sierra with a little over 60,000 miles on it the water-pump started leaking. I've noticed other trucks like mine that smell like antifreeze, so I suspect this is a common problem?

02-21-2011, 12:06 PM	#2
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,685	Re: Premature water-pump failures? Yes it's common. Finally fixed my '03 silverado at 125k miles. (some will have a minor leak for a long time, and never leave a puddle under the truck) The waterpump-to-block gaskets turn to mush. GM has a new design for the gasket now. I also replaced the thermostat and waterpump, while it was tore down that far. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

02-21-2011, 12:19 PM	#3
John Gilbert Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Placentia, California Posts: 567	Re: Premature water-pump failures? Wow, thanks for the quick reply! So, it sounds like all I have to do is r&r a gasket? There's also a clicking noise that sounds like a kid's bicycle with a card stuck in the spokes, but I think thats coming from the alternator. The coolant is sprayed all over the front of the motor, and stinks when the truck gets hot. It doesn't leak on the ground, but I don't want a cat climbing up inside and licking the motor... On the other hand that might be better than buying a can of Gunk.

02-21-2011, 04:24 PM	#4
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Premature water-pump failures? Yeah I just had the water pump replaced on my 03 as well. Had it in the shop for another reason, and my buddy called me and asked if I knew the water pump was leaking. I told him I hadn't noticed any fliuid leaking, and he said these trucks are bad about that. You don't even realize it's leaking.

02-21-2011, 10:48 PM	#5
droppedgmc Truck Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arlington, WA Posts: 1,346	Re: Premature water-pump failures? hmmm my 2000 has 91,464 miles with no leaks. wonder if they changed something from '03 on __________________ '85 swb Last edited by droppedgmc; 02-22-2011 at 11:02 AM.

02-22-2011, 09:29 AM	#6
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Premature water-pump failures? Mine was good up til about 112,000 miles.

02-22-2011, 01:17 PM	#7
Eyegore What Hump? Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New River AZ Posts: 2,009	Re: Premature water-pump failures? My 2003 tahoe made it to 120K before I had to replace mine last week. There is a video on google that showed the step by step proceedure, I think it was A-1 Auto video, was a piece of cake, no problems. __________________ Lil red 86 c-10 99 Sub 78 Camper Special w/ 454

02-22-2011, 06:11 PM	#8
NateK4340 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Shallowater, Texas Posts: 151	Re: Premature water-pump failures? The water pump on my '02 started leaking at about 100k. I didn't know it was a common thing for these trucks. Thats the only problem I have ever had with the truck though! __________________ "Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American Soldier, One died for your soul, the other for your Freedom. " In the Garage: '02 Silverado Ext. Cab Z71 5.3l '70 C20 Longstep 402BB

02-23-2011, 11:08 AM	#10
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Premature water-pump failures? Don't forget the steering shaft and door lock actuators. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

02-23-2011, 05:33 PM	#11
spudz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Branchville SC Posts: 1,647	Re: Premature water-pump failures? your water pump is probably fine. THis is common and there is a new design gasket out to correct this. Even the felpro ones are good. __________________ 2004 z71, 96 z71 on 38s, 88 Chevy k5 blazer, 4in lift. 84 swb project, 82 SWB project , 84 chevy 4x4 lwb project, 88 Jimmy beater/highschool ride. 79 c30. 99 tahoe 4x4 project. and a bunch of parts trucks..



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