Small coolant leak around water pump

[SlickTRD]

2017 4R with 16K miles and I have a small coolant leak around the water pump. Pink discoloration on both sides of the pump around the gasket so I am sure its the coolant. Amount lost is not a lot as I have never topped off coolant and the reservoir is still between high and low marks. I plan on cleaning, top off coolant and monitor. Should I do anything more proactive? Hate to spend almost a grand to replace pump and gasket but I will do it if the consensus says so.

 

[flyrv9]

I'm not familiar with how the water pump mounts. If it's internal like the 4.7 in my Tundra, then yea it's expensive to replace. Thats why in the Tundra they suggest replacing it during the timing belt replacement. If it's external, then you might be able to reduce or stop the leak by checking and tightening the pump bolts.

Another consideration, if the pump is external, is to check that the leak is not from the bearing weep hole. This would indicate a bad internal seal or bearing. That is why the weep hole is there - to let you know there is a problem so you can get it fixed before failure.

Like you mentioned, a small leak is manageable by checking coolant levels and seeing it doesn't get worse.

 

[baldrik78]

I'd probably try replacing the gasket with a new OEM. Looks like the most annoying part of pulling the pump off is you have to remove the fan, fan shroud, belt and a couple of pulleys to get to it.

Toyota 1GR-FE water pump replacement, Toyota FJ 4runner, Tacoma, Tundra - YouTube

 

[flyrv9]

If that's the case, then it might be worth it to replace the pump as well. Don't know the cost of a new OEM pump, but it's a fair amount of work. I say OEM, because it's a critical part and IMHO not worth skimping on an aftermarket one.

 

[SlickTRD]

If that's the case, then it might be worth it to replace the pump as well. Don't know the cost of a new OEM pump, but it's a fair amount of work. I say OEM, because it's a critical part and IMHO not worth skimping on an aftermarket one.

after some thought, im just gonna replace the water pump and gasket w oem and do the acc belt and thermostat since all those things are getting disconnected as well. oil i do regularly but my tranny, transfer case and diff are all reaching over 5 years and im prob gonna do all those fluids at same time too.