What to do the water pump leaks

[Cari]

I just got back from the dealer for the oil change. I was told that my 06 v6 4 runner's water pump leaks. I only have 55000 miles on it. The estimate of the cost to replace is over $700. I don't know cars. Is it a serious problem needs to take care right way?
Thank you for your help!

 

[CXS]

Once it starts it doesn't stop. Don't try any stop leak product. I can't tell you how long it's safe to drive as is.

 

[Cari]

Thank you Chris.
I am so disappointed why it happened so soon!!!

 

[pacho]

on my tacoma, I had the engine and water pump replaced after the white smoke cloud out the exhaust symptom(with a 2nd-hand engine) but there was this leak that happened after the engine replacement. everytime i complained they pointed to the water pump as the cause, they fixed the water pump issue 2x , but it still leaked, got tired of going back to the mechanics, and I was planning to trade-in the tacoma anyway.... however i found a temporary workaround - if I dont use my airconditioner the leak is very small or none, but when i use it, the leak is bigger. :toilet3:

 

[NuclearN8]

did they show you the exact location of the leak? if so, take pics and post em up... would love to see what the dealer calls a water pump leak. I've been trying to convince my dealer mine is leaking for some time under a CPO warranty and they say it's not... hmmmm. looks like a leak to me though!

 

[awdjunkies]

If it is in fact leaking? It is not due to the mileage, but more so having to do with age/natural elements.

But yes, take care of it sooner than later.

 

[Cari]

It leaks


Here is the pic. It does look like leaking!!

 

[pacho]

this is just my sense , and im not a mechanic so pardon the advice ...--->In the meantime , open your radiator cap to make sure the coolant in the radiator is still there, if not add more....
touch the liquid that dripped on the concrete with your fingers and feel it, if its dark/black and oily , its engine oil.... if its green/clearish and not oily then its from the water pump, radiator , hose, etc
squeaking sound is one symptom of water pump issue or fanbelt issue too. As for your photo- it has what looks like a belt which i assume is in front of the water pump, wheres the leak ?? the pinkish color ?
if the mechanics are paid commission then they will try to convince you to do uneccessary repairs. A automotive store chain i used to go to does not offer the same level of repair service as before after their mechanics started gettng paid on commission basis(thats what i found on google-i could be wrong) so next time i will go with local independent mechanics that have been recommended.

 

[NuclearN8]

View attachment 102938
Here is the pic. It does look like leaking!!

That's what mine looks like and I call that "leaking" or "weaping" ... whatever the case, it's not designed to do that for extended periods of time...
I'm gonna try another dealer because the nearest one says there is no issue. But they probably just don't want to fix mine since it's coming out of their pocket, not mine...

In the meantime I'm watching my rad level and keeping my overflow in band as eluded to by pacho.

good luck

 

[Gatafly]

That's what mine looks like and I call that "leaking" or "weaping" ... whatever the case, it's not designed to do that for extended periods of time...
I'm gonna try another dealer because the nearest one says there is no issue. But they probably just don't want to fix mine since it's coming out of their pocket, not mine...

In the meantime I'm watching my rad level and keeping my overflow in band as eluded to by pacho.

good luck

Its not coming out of their pocket if it is under warranty, it is coming out of Toyota's and they will get paid for it.

 

[NuclearN8]

Its not coming out of their pocket if it is under warranty, it is coming out of Toyota's and they will get paid for it.

got that, but in a flat rate shop warranty work is always the last work that is accepted since it only pays the warranty repair time... I just need to find a service department that has less customer pay work and is bored I suppose...

 

[gm350reratliff]

I'm trying to find a TSB I seen a while back pertaining to these seeping water pumps. It basically said that they are supposed to weep a little now and then. That is how it rids itself of buildup around the seal. It also instructed the techs to only replace if excessively leaking or bearing failure. Anyway, my 4runner's WP seeps just a little from time to time. Since '08 I've added maybe 1-2 quarts of antifreeze.