Q: Water pump replacement
Dealer says ratling noise coming from water pump and recommends to replace the pump. Another repair shop recommends the same and also to replace the tensioner. They are recommending this as a precaution. Is this worth replacing too?
My car has 97800 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Recommended Services
| Water Pump Replacement | $187.27 - $1236.57 | Get a Quote |
| Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement | $149.81 - $643.33 | Get a Quote |
Yes. I would replace the tensioner at the same time since the only addition would be parts and there would be minimal labor added since you are already removing the water pump. The tensioner is most likely just as worn as the pump is. If you would like to have these services done, a certified expert from YourMechanic can replace your water pump and tensioner at your home or office.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Why Is it so Important That a Car Passes Emissions Testing?
Emissions testing provides several very useful functions (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/why-is-it-important-to-be-able-to-pass-an-emissions-test) for our daily lives. The combustion gases that come out of the tailpipes of our vehicles are comprised of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), and...
Hatch won't unlock or release with key
The rear bumper cover removal and installation should not have been an issue, unless the rear sill plate was not installed correctly, which could jam the rear hatch and not allow it to open. The MDX latches are prone to...
Car is burning antifreeze
If your car is overheating, smelling like coolant, and always in need of coolant, then those are signs that you may have a coolant leak somewhere. The smoke you are seeing may be antifreeze leaking out onto hot parts of...
Lights out
When vehicle headlights go out, normally a simple fuse or light bulb replacement can correct this issue. However there is a known problem where the headlamp assemblies, sockets and wiring are melting due to high heat and resistance in this...
Why does it take a while for the car to crank.
Any time you disconnect a battery all the modules in your car loose their internal memory. When you changed your battery the engine control module was reset and it may take a few weeks for it to relearn your engine...
Car won't start, battery light on
Hi, thanks for writing in. This may be related to what is called a voltage regulator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-instrument-voltage-regulator). This is a unit that monitors the charging of the battery by the alternator. When this is not working properly, this can cause...
Reference point for the width of the car and correct steering method.
Hi there, thanks for writing in. Being that you're a new driver, if you live in the United States; I'd take advantage of a great program aimed at teens called B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everybody Safe) (https://putonthebrakes.org/). It's based...
How to clean map sensor? Where is it located?
The MAP sensor is usually located under the intake manifiold on most vehicles. This sensor needs to be very near to the combustion chamber to determine if a knock has occured. The intake manifold will almost always requre removal (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/intake-manifold-gaskets-replacement)...
I turn the key and I hear the starter spinning but it does not crank the engine. Is it the starter or part of it?
If the starter motor turns, but the starter pinion drive gear is not engaging the flywheel and turning the engine, there is a fault with the pinion drive gear and/or the actuating solenoid. The power to the solenoid can be...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Toyota Tundra
While While Toyota hasn’t been in the business of manufacturing larger pickup trucks as long as the likes of Ford, Chevy, and Dodge, the Tundra is most definitely a force to be reckoned with. This full-sized pickup has comparable payload,...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Doctor Who Makes House Calls
If If you are a doctor who makes house calls, reliability is likely to be at the forefront of your mind when it comes to choosing a used car. You also expect a certain level of comfort. We have evaluated...
How to Drive a Toyota Prius
For For someone who has never driven a Prius, it may feel a bit like stepping into the cockpit of an alien spaceship when sliding into the driver’s seat. That’s because the Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric car and...
Browse other content
Maintenance
Estimates