Well, I brought my 04 CS into Firestone to get a lifetime alignment and while it was in there they called to say that the water pump sounds like its going out. Now I have been hearing a sound that sounds like rocks grinding together under water ever since I bought the car from Carmax. I have read on the forums that a grinding sound from the engine area is typical though and have thought nothing of it until now. What do yall think? Normal? Or maybe I should take it over to the stealership and see what they think? I might try posting a video tonight.

 

I don't know about grinding, but a ticking sound is normal. The water pump will usually trickle a bit before it goes. Any leakage?

 

Yup. Your water pump is wearing out. I had the same sound coming from mine before I replaced it. I did not have any leaks before I started hearing the sound. It was fairly easy to replace. You can buy the part from either Suncoast or Sunset for around $135 IIRC. Good luck.

 

update: Stealership confirmed dead water pump. Replaced under warranty.