Anybody know the symptoms of a bad water pump? Sometimes when I start the car I hear a quick "squeal" from under the hood. The belt isn't doesn't seem to be tightened too much either. TIA!

 

Most all waterpumps have what is called "weep holes" that spew coolant when the pump goes bad. Actually all that really ever goes out on these things is the bearing(s) and this is what the seepage from the weep hole indicates.

 

if your pump is really bad you could grab the pulley and actually feel the freeplay in it. But if its that bad you would definitely hear a growling sound from it. If you are unsure and have high mileage i would just change the water pump and the thermostat for safety. i think the stock waterpump is less than $100.

 

The only parts in it are a pulley/bearing/blade and a shaft and housing. There really isn't much that can go wrong there.
I mean you would have to break a bearing to expect a problem.
That is rare I would say.

 

Loosen the belt so that there is no pressure on the pulley. See if there is any play in the pulley. Try to wiggle it with light pressure. If you feel any play, replace it. It's not too expensive.

Adam

 

Try $300 from a REGULAR autoparts store

 

If your pump stays out late, fights with your air pump or worse yet, the OMP. or starts smoking coolant rock, these are sure signs the pump is going bad.

Or, in boring reality, the weep hole will start to leak. The sqeek on startup is very likely a belt problem, check the tension, apply soap to effected areas as required.

Good luck turning that pump around. The world does not need another pump gone bad.