bentheswift

Hi all,

I have read a lot of posts here about failing water pumps.

I just rolled over 100k on my 2009 model. It has been utterly reliable so far, only had the hatch handle replaced under warranty (which they just sent me an extended warranty certificate for this week), and the third brake light died, other than that absolutely zero problems. I maintain it myself and have done all of the 100k service (incl. coolant) and have also replaced the serpentine belt.

I did some research on ToyoDIY (parts microfiche database) and found that Toyota revised the water pump in 2008. So my 2009 model has an updated part.

I would assume that this was done because Toyota noticed they were replacing a ton of water pumps under warranty and so they fixed the problem. But that's just an assumption.

Does anyone know if the 09+ models tend to have water pump problems like the early cars, or has that issue mostly been solved?

Thanks in advance.

TheDoughboy

Well, my wifes 2009 has the groaning under the hood and a little bit of pink mist on the hood and pulleys. This was noticed on Monday (11/4). The coolant bottle level was a little over the Low mark, but no puddle under the engine though. I topped it off with water since I need to yank the pump. I checked it this morning before she went to work and the level has not dropped.

I guess they do fail. I read that the original pumps had a stamped steel body and the updates ones are a cast design. No conformation that this is true though.

YMMV

bentheswift

How many miles on your wife's car Doughboy?

I changed the serpentine belt a few weeks ago and didn't see any evidence of coolant anywhere. I also have never noticed any change in the level (not even the slightest bit). I keep a pretty good eye on things, but to be honest, this car invites laziness because nothing ever breaks on it.

Here's hoping we can avoid any troubles...

TheDoughboy

63K and the local stealers here would not good will it under the powertrain warranty. I bought one online this morning and going to get the Toyota long life coolant now. Oh well.

PRODIGY3000

Mine started leaking at 70k. Bought a new one and put it in myself. Not too hard really


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DigitalPro

iTrader: (17)

Had my water pump seal replaced at ~50K
Noticed the pinkish chalk line on the inside on the hood one morning, just the seal was replaced, pump was fine.

cgrim1350

I replaced the pump on my 09 with under 60k miles. It wasn't really noticeable until I removed the old pump, then I saw all the dried up pink coolant caked to the pump and pulley. I never saw a significant drop in coolant level but my brother who is a mechanic pointed it out to me. I'm sure I could have possibly gone years without it becoming a significant issue, but having it replaced definitely brought peace of mind!

bentheswift

Well sure enough, I changed the oil tonight at 109,200 miles and saw some pink chalky residue under the water pump, and the overflow tank was low (but not empty). Topped the coolant off and will have to get a new pump in the mail. Regardless, 109,000 miles without a single substantial problem is nothing to complain about.

FlintMica17

I replaced mine on my '07 at 86k. Drove the car with ZERO problems until I traded it in at 129k. Like all the others, it had the "pink chalk" look when I first purchased it. It's not difficult at all to change, should take maybe 3 hours tops for someone who doesn't wrench all the time....

09MPtC

I have an '09 as well and I just replaced my water pump recently at ~54k miles . There was a clanking/clinking sound whenever you started up the car. It had a rough idle and sounded like an old diesel. Dried pink chalky coolant also found around the pump and pulley area. Now the car sounds and runs fine after replacing it!

ESEMRFOZZ13

Just did mine, fairly easy. I bought pump thru Toyota at cost, also gas cap because codes and filled OEM battery with half gallon distilled + recharge. Easy car to work on.