Wondering if this sound is the water pump.

[Bob123]

Hello fellow zeders,

In the process of replacing a split intake rubber boot on my car this weekend I happened to notice a noise that seemed out of place when the engine was running. Sounds a bit like grating metal to me. It seemed to be coming from the front of the engine, near the alternator. I'm thinking maybe the water pump bearings are on the way out? The car was registered March 2004 and it's done 62000 miles. If anyone could have a listen to the YouTube clip here (https://youtube.com/shorts/u_My4QMnm9Y?feature=share) and give me their opinion I'd be grateful.

Thanks.

[BumpyZ4]

Take the belt off and spin the water pump and each individual pulley to see which one is making the noise.

[Bob123]

BumpyZ4, thanks for the advice. That'd certainly narrow it down. I wonder how difficult it is getting the belts back on afterwards, with the tensioners etc?

[Dr. Zed]

BumpyZ4, thanks for the advice. That'd certainly narrow it down. I wonder how difficult it is getting the belts back on afterwards, with the tensioners etc?

Getting belts off and on is quite easy. You just need a torque bit that fits in both of the tensioners. The higher one is a bit of a pain to reach but I replaced my thermostat, waterpump and both belts with a halfords advanced tool set so if you have a decent tool set then you'll be fine. Might be worth having replacement belts ready to go in case you noticed they could do with replacing (or one snaps for whatever reason though I suspect this would be unlikely).

I followed this video and did me quite well

https://youtu.be/YKphkCyEccs

[Bob123]

Dr. Zed, thanks for the info and that's a helpful video too.

[Dr. Zed]

Dr. Zed, thanks for the info and that's a helpful video too.

No worries. It's a very good video. A bit dark but was definitely enough for me to do that work! Good luck