Signs of a bad water pump? 86 FWB

**tbcaddy18** · 02-14-10 12:14 AM

Hey all,

Does anyone know what the warning signs are for a water pump starting to go bad?

...just asking because when im driving my car (86 FWB 307), when accelerating under load I hear a squeaking noise. This only happens when the car reaches operating temperature and under load. The car does not overheat.

I also tried the test where you try and move the fan up and down (since the fan is connected to the front of the water pump) to see if it's loose or not, and it is slightly loose, but nothing to be worried about.

I dont think its a transmission issue, as it runs and shifts fine...I also recently changed the transmission fluid and the TCC solenoid in it. My car has 155,0000 miles, ive never changed any major parts on it.

Thanks,
Tabz

**Angry Matt** · 02-14-10 04:22 PM

The water pump won't feel that loose with the belt on. If you can get the belt off, the water pump will rattle when you move the fan if it's shot. Also check and see if it's leaking, some of them have a small port on the bottom that will drip when they are ready to be replaced. I've had several go in the past and mine always make noise all the time, not just under load. Not saying they can't, just sharing my experiences. They sound like loud skateboard bearings at idle.

**tbcaddy18** · 02-14-10 06:21 PM

hmm.. yea no leaking on mine as of yet. I guess I'll just wait and see if the noise gets louder/worse and go from there.

**Ian6** · 02-23-10 06:23 PM

my 307. 89 brougham has a weep hole on the water pump, and when it started to leak from there is when i changed it. idk if this helps but i would think if its not leaking you should be good. but if you're that worried about it just take it to your mechanic if you know a good honest one.