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Weird noises from Prius. Water pump problem?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by dhman2006, Aug 5, 2013.

  1. dhman2006

    dhman2006 Member

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    For the last few days every time I accelerate from a stop I have been hearing water bubble like noise from the Rear-right side of my 05 Prius. I think there's a water pump back there. Does anyone know why that sound just came on? Also, every time I turn the car on loud engine noise has been coming on. Is that mechanical engine noise? Is there a recall on Prius mechanical engine? Any help/suggestion?


    EDIT: If I need to replace the water pump, can I buy an inverter water pump online and have my mechanic install it?

    Does it look ok?---
     
    #1 dhman2006, Aug 5, 2013
  2. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    There is no water pump in the back. More likely you have leakage around the hatch. Look under the 12V battery and the spare tire for a puddle.

    If you have a problem with the inverter coolant pump, Toyota will repair it under the present safety recall for free. Call them up and tell them you want to bring the car in for recall C0T and C0U. (C Zero T and C Zero U).

    You need to be more specific about your other symptom. Make a recording if possible and post it here.
     
    #2 nh7o, Aug 5, 2013
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  3. dhman2006

    dhman2006 Member

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    Thank you for your reply. Is the inverter pump and the mechanical pump the same thing?
     
    #3 dhman2006, Aug 5, 2013
  4. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

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    All fluid pumps are mechanical. The Prius has two coolant pumps, one for the inverter coolant loop, and the other for the engine coolant. The both pumps can fail, but the engine coolant pump is not under recall. It is located at the end of the engine, driven by a small belt.

    You need to get the car running with the hood open, and listen for where the sounds you are referring to are coming from. Some mechanics use a length of hose like a doctor's stethoscope to localize the sound.
     
    #4 nh7o, Aug 6, 2013
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    The North American 2G Prius has four coolant pumps, all located in the engine compartment:

    1. Engine coolant, powered by the serpentine drive belt.
    2. Inverter coolant, powered by electric motor. This is the subject of a recent Toyota recall.
    3. Heater core circulation, powered by electric motor. This helps the cabin heating when the gasoline engine stops running.
    4. Coolant heat recovery system pump, powered by electric motor. This usually runs for a few seconds upon startup and shutdown and is part of emissions control.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Aug 6, 2013
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  6. Joe 26

    Joe 26 Member

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    Sounds like water has gotten into the battery well area. Remove the battery and spare tire cover and look for water or dampness. If so, do a search on this forum for likely sources of the leak.
     
    #6 Joe 26, Aug 6, 2013
  7. dhman2006

    dhman2006 Member

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    Ok I'm thinking Engine Water Pump needs to be replaced. I'm hearing grinding noise everytime I turn the car on and it's usually with something related to water pump. Now my question is can I replace the engine water pump at any local mechanic shop or it has to be done at a Toyota Dealer?
     
    #7 dhman2006, Aug 6, 2013
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Any competent tech can replace the engine coolant pump. I suggest the serpentine drive belt also be replaced.

    It is possible that the noise you are hearing is coming from the idler pulley which exerts tension on the drive belt, so that should be inspected when the drive belt is removed.
     
    #8 Patrick Wong, Aug 6, 2013
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  9. dhman2006

    dhman2006 Member

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    Went to Meineke after work and they said the bearing inside the water pump is going bed.They quoted me $436 for water pump + the tensioner. They also said they may need some "special tool" to change the tensioner. Does anyone know if there's really any "special tool" to replace the tensioner and the water pump? Can this be done at a local mechanic shop that may cost me around $250-300?
     
    #9 dhman2006, Aug 6, 2013
  10. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    No special tool is needed.
     
    #10 Patrick Wong, Aug 6, 2013
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  11. dhman2006

    dhman2006 Member

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    Thanks for the reply. Is there any special tool to check the tensioner? Guys at Meineke said they'll need special tool to check the tensior drive belt.
     
    #11 dhman2006, Aug 6, 2013
  12. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    As I said before, no special tool is needed for any part of the job. Suggest you find another place.
     
    #12 Patrick Wong, Aug 6, 2013
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  13. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    #13 Patrick Wong, Aug 6, 2013
  14. dhman2006

    dhman2006 Member

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    Ok thanks. Do you recommend getting the job done at a local mechanic shop or should I go to a "chain" name?
     
    #14 dhman2006, Aug 6, 2013
  15. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    My recommendation would be that you use an independent that specializes in Toyota vehicles - if you don't have a recommendation from a trusted friend or neighbor in your area.
     
    #15 Patrick Wong, Aug 6, 2013
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  16. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

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    Still putting out your very reliable advice Pat. Good Show!
     
    #16 Andyprius1, Aug 6, 2013
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