Water pump packed in today. I got it changed last year. Where do I stand?

Ricochet J

Ricochet J

Ricochet J

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29 Jun 2004
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Last year, on the 19 January 2009 I replaced my water pump, as at the time I was changing the timing belts as well. I got this done by HiQ.

Fast forward to today. I was driving along and I noticed the temp needle shot up from being stable (in the middle) to the high end. I stopped driving immediately and called my break down cover people, and he said the water pump has had it.

Are water pumps designed to last 1 year and 4 months? :confused:
Considering the pump prior to the one I had changed on 19 January 2009 was on the vehicle for 9 years!


Where do I stand?
If I ask HiQ to replace the pump, free off charge, will I get laughed at? It's clearly a defective product which hasn't reached its full life.
Would I have to replace it at my cost?
Would HiQ meet me in the middle and I pay half?


I don't want to go into HiQ all guns blazing.


Any advice would be brilliant. Thanks :)
 
It's been over a year, they probably won't want to know. I wouldn't let places like HiQ or Kwik Fit anywhere near my car anyway so probably just chalk it up to experience and get it sorted by a reputable indy
 
I created this thread mainly to read the opinions of people who have been in a similar situation to mine. And from that, I can make the correct first move. :)
 
What actually failed, did the impellers come off? If the part has dropped to bits, then it was not 'fit for purpose'. They might well be interested in speaking to their suppliers about it.
 
/Resists BMW related quip

I'd go and have a polite word with them. **** happens as they say but i'd expect a water pump to last longer than that.

I wouldn't expect a favourable response, but if you don't ask, you don't get.

Its up to you whether you take it further - depending on the outcome of course.
 
The roadside assistance guy said the water pump is leaking. When the car is stationary, the coolant leaks out from that section. I asked if it was a possible head gasket or anything worse, in which he responded no.

He didnt say what specifically went wrong with the pump, just that it had packed in.
 
Parts are usually only under warranty for 12 months, anything over this will have to be on their own policy or goodwill.

Just phone them and be reasonable thats my advice!
 
I'll wait for a few more replies before I do go there. If it goes all bad and they don't don't want to contribute anything to the costs of replacing the pump with the new one, is there a regulatory body I can report this to?
 
I agree it's a stupidly short amount of time for a water-pump to fail in, but I don't think you'll get very far getting them to pay for it, not now it's over a year anyway. You can always give it a shot though. I take it they fitted a cheap copy part ? ...not another OEM part that should have lasted another 9 years ?
 
If it goes all bad and they don't don't want to contribute anything to the costs of replacing the pump with the new one, is there a regulatory body I can report this to?
Click to expand...

I dont think there is. As far as I would be aware they are only under any obligation to fix it for you within the 12 months. Anything over this and I dont think theres a great deal you can do unless they are willing to be considerate and help.

The motor trade isnt regulated very well in this respect. HiQ will have just orderd the cheapest part that fits. Most waterpumps are made in China now and very few garages are willing to lose their markup by selling oem parts.
 
It's entirely possible that if the water pump fails properly then it'd damage/snap the belt too but your situation the leak won't hurt it
 
I know the breakdown guy didn't explain it to you really, but what has 'probably' happened it the main shaft seal has suffered premature failure and thus the coolant is leaking out now, the main shaft bearing may have gone too, although I doubt it.
 
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