Abnormal Coolant Pump noise

[htmlspinnr]

I've noticed over the past few days that the coolant pump that pushes warm coolant from the vacum tank to the cylinder head intake ports (our engine pre-heater) has been making abormal "scraping" or lower pitched "squealing" sounds under operation. The sounds are akin to an old motorized toy, RC car motor, or cheap CPU fan with sleeve bearings that are on it's way out. This sound happens usually when the engine has been sitting for a few hours, but seems consistent for the last few days since I returned from AZ.

I'm at about 17.8k miles, and I've had the car for nearly 11 months now.

I have a few thoughts:[list]Am I the only one? If not - are we looking at another potential service campaign?[*]Should I be worried about the quality of the pump? Is it an item that can't handle extreme ambient temp changes?[list]
Anyone else with a similar experience? I'm going to bring it up when I have my fuel TSB done and my center console lid replaced (the fabric is peeling away from the front of the "arm rest" a.k.a. center console lid sub-assembly). It's reproducable, and I imagine covered by the 8/100 hybrid/emissions warranty since it is part of what makes the car AT-PZEV.

[MarinJohn]

Rick, earlier this summer I went from San Francisco to Albuquerque via the Mojave desert, temps were in the hundreds, and I really pushed the car at 85-100 MPH through the desert. I did have to have a water valve replaced in Albuquerque, but my water pump has been fine since factory install so perhaps you are just "lucky" . It does concern me, however, that we are hearing of so many (minor) breakdowns on this chat board. I hope your dealer is close and convenient!

[Frank Hudon]

I don't think 1-10 failures in 45,000 total production would warrant a TSB or a recall, as I'm sure that is probably the normal failure rate for such items. I'd be amased if Toyota would consider it a warranteed item under the HSD system. But it'll be covered under 3-36 warranty.

[htmlspinnr]

Frank,

The coolant assembly is part of the system which helps the car qualify for the CA AT-PZEV rating. Therefore, it must be warranted for the longer period of time.

-Rick

[Frank Hudon]

Possibly the states that uses the Cal Emission warranty might, but I dont' think anywhere else. Just checked the warranty manual and under both the emmision and the Hybrid related components it isn't listed. The ICE water pump is for 5 years or 60,000 miles but no mention of the thermos pump. When you take it in for repair please ask the dealer what the warranty is on the pump. It as I understand has to have the ScanTool to purge the system after replacement so that'll take it out of the relm of DIY work.

[hdrygas]

So far so good just a gentle hum, but I am only at 2500. Do you have the extended warranty. I really am thinking of getting that. There is a lot new in this car and maybe this is a situation that warrants a bit of precaution. I am leaning that way.

[htmlspinnr]

Nope - no extended warranty - but I'm still covered under the 3/36, etc at almost 18k miles.

I'll ask which warranty covers it when I take it in next week for the various work done.

[Frank Hudon]

thanks Rick

[Jonathan]

FWIW I'm on my 2nd '04 (about 12,000 miles between the two). The first car I got had a MUCH more quiet coolant pump than the one I have now. Mine doesn't squeal, and if I hadn't had the first car, I wouldn't know that this one was louder. Good luck, let us know!

[naterprius]

My Brand New #9 does this! Now I know it's not normal.. I'll bring it in on Monday.

Nate