Yes it can go bad without any leaks or noise. The impeller could be damaged, the shaft could be broken, or it could could be cavitated which would decrease flow. Normally though a bearing will go out and will cause a noise. This is most common.
Since you cannot physically inspect the impeller and inside of a water pump without removing the pump, the best way to know if it is functioning properly is to visually inspect the coolant condition, test the coolant pH and protection levels, test drive the vehicle to verify normal operating temperature, and squeeze ...
Unfortunately, as the coolant leaks out of the water pump, the level gets lower in the engine. Consequently, you may notice that your engine is running hotter every time that you drive your vehicle. It's better to avoid driving your automobile until you have the leaking water pump replaced.
A water pump should last anywhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. A water pump replacement costs between $400 and $800 depending on the vehicle and the difficulty involved. Parts can run from $200 to $400, with labor services similarly priced.
The expected lifespan of a water pump is 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles, but many can last longer than that. Usually, once your car has reached the coveted 100,000 miles, you can plan on the need for a pump replacement soon. Sometimes, this cooling system part will give you signs that it needs to be replaced.
If your car's water pump goes out, one or more warning lights may pop up on the dash. For example, you may see the low coolant warning, overheat warning, or a check engine light.
If the water pump is driven by the timing belt, consider changing the timing belt and tensioner if it's nearing the replacement interval. What sound does a failing water pump make? A bad water pump can make whining, chirping, or squealing noises.
When the water pump fails, there may be insufficient coolant running through the engine causing it to run too hot and overheat. This can lead to the failure of the engine gasket, cylinder head, and other components. If left unfixed, your engine could get so damaged that it requires an overhaul.
Take your radiator cap off and note the coolant level. idle the vehicle until it's hot enough for the fans to kick on, maybe 10-15mins depending. When they do, you can look down in your radiator and see the coolant level drop and probably see it circulating as well.
As discussed earlier, the water pump is one of the most important components for your car as it makes sure that your engine operates without interruption under perfect working temperature. It is imperative to keep a watch at its functional value to ensure that your engine does not undergo irreparable damages.
Answer: Signs include reduced water pressure, unusual noises from the pump, frequent cycling on and off, water discoloration, and visible leaks.
There is an easy way to find out if your engine's head gasket has blown. Simply check under the oil filler cap. If the gasket is not damaged, the inside of the oil cap will be mostly dry. If you discover a milky brownish-yellow substance that is similar to the thickness of a milkshake, you probably have a gasket leak.
Burping (so named because of the noise made by the bubbles of coolant exiting the radiator filler neck) is done with the radiator cap removed on cars without a valve. You wait for the car to warm up so the thermostat opens, and then the pressure of the expanding coolant being heated drives the air out.
Replacing a car water pump could be a simple or difficult job, depending on the vehicle and the water pump's location. It's a job usually best left for professional mechanics. The water pump may be hidden under other components and may require special tools depending on the vehicle's design.
Call for Help: Contact a tow service or roadside assistance to have your vehicle transported to a repair shop. Driving with a bad water pump, especially if it's blown, is not advisable.
Water pumps are essential for various applications, but they can also experience common problems affecting their performance and reliability. Common problems include overheating, leakage, low water pressure, noisy operation, and cavitation.
Symptoms of a Failing Water Pump Impacting AC
These sounds can include whining or grinding that become louder when the AC is on. This happens because the damaged pump struggles more under the additional load from the air conditioning system. The noise may start as a faint hum and grow into a loud whine over time.
This will appear like a slow drip, which is a good time to change out your car water pump. However, if you need to drive it until pay day, with low mileage and easy driving habit, you could make it a week with a bad water pump.
If you suspect a water pump problem, it's important to get it checked out immediately. A mechanic should be able to diagnose if there's an issue with your water pump and recommend replacement parts if needed.