All,
My 2002 C4S is in for the 30k service right now. The previous owner had bottomed out the car and damaged the "engine carrier" as the dealer is calling it (i think it's like an engine mount plate). The plate hit the water pump and took a chunk out. There is no leaking or anything from the water pump, but the dealer is suggesting I replace it as a precaution. He said that eventually something can happen with the bearing in the water pump that will cause it to fail due to this damage. They want $1600 total to replace the water pump and engine carrier. Does this sound like a real issue or should i just replace the engine mount and not worry about the water pump? To me, I don't see how a chunk out of the water pump can cause something to go wrong down the road. It seems like the water pump either works or it doesn't, but I'm not sure so I'm asking you guys!

Thanks in advance for any help... josh

 

I'd get it fixed just to be safe. I'm sorry to say this is wha you get with buying used... It's part of the "price"

 

Get multiple quotes before you committed. It a big chunk bites out of your wallet but if you can drive w/out replacing these parts for now then don't..

You can start saving $ for that day when it comes.

 

Well, a water pump USUALLY goes out slow, you see it leak, hear the bearings going, etc...so its not USUALLY a surprise. Now if its damaged, then maybe all those bets are off and it can go at any moment....replace it...and move on...although I had a water pump done at the dealer for more like $1000, not $1600.

 

Ya, $1000 if they sell you the parts for retail + 4.3hrs of labor. The price of the genuine water pump just went up $30 a month or so ago($305 now), but I don't know where the rest of the markup is at.

Should include pump, thermostat, t-stat o-ring, pump gasket, and coolant. We usually change the belt too, but since you have no leaks at this time it should be alright.

 

I did my waterpump myself for ~300 all OEM parts including coolant...

 

Holy crap $1600 ?!?!?

That's highway robbery.

Mine was leaking and I replaced it this weekend for ~$300 for the pump + gasket. Previously I've never even taken the airbox off and it took me about 8 hours split over two evening (with rest/beer breaks thrown in).

My local indy quoted about $580 parts + labor so you should shop around I'd think.