I have a 2010 with 180k miles on it. I just wanted to get other people's thoughts on replacing the water pump proactively as a maintenance item before it fails. I'm not having any problems with it at all now, but I drive around rural Vermont a lot where a breakdown wouldn't be too great. I also worry about the engine overheating and a blown head gasket, but maybe I should just don't fix what isn't broken. The part is about $250 and I would do it myself. Thanks
I had an overheating event that stalled my car at around 175,000 miles. After it cooled down I was able to drive it to dealer. A new water pump was installed and it has worked great ever since, but not a cheap repair. I would recommend replacement before it fails.
I recommend that you monitor the engine coolant temperature by using a display that connects to the OBD2 port. By doing this, you will know if the engine water pump starts to fail. The pump usually gradually goes bad. Then, you will have enough time to order a new pump and install it before the engine overheats.
I try to pay attention to engine coolant temperature, especially on long uphills, when effects of an impaired pump would be most obvious. No hint of a problem with mine, so far.
Monitor and consider having the part on hand for the day it does happen. Don't buy an aftermarket water pump even though they are considerably cheaper and more available. If cost is a major holdup, consider buying a replacement impeller for an emergency repair.
How does the quality of that impeller compare to that of the original? Cost aside, is replacing it more or less laborious than replacing the whole pump? Thanks!
There's been reports of the engine water pump failing, around 150k miles. I've resolved to replace ours by 100k miles (if we ever get there), in conjunction with an engine coolant change. Probably will use the Aisin WPT-190, which I believe is the same pump, just not Toyota-branded. Amayama will have it on my doorstep for $173~ CDN. Then there's the inverter water pump. It seems to have more longevity, maybe not as taxed? Again, there's a Aisin equivalent, WQT-001, more reasonably priced.
Reports are the impeller is the only thing that goes bad so I have one stored with the spare tire for use in an emergency. Various members have had success. The original quality casting and power electronics remain. If I had to install, it takes a simple socket wrench set to remove the water pump. You can tell by taking off the three bolt air intake how easy it is to access, even without a jack to get eyes on the bottom bolts. If nothing else, the impeller would provide time to buy a genuine part which might allow oem purchase at the next holiday sale. With 355,000 mikes my water pumps are original which I attribute to frequent coolant changes. With continuous monitoring and an early audible temperature alert, I am not worried about the pumps at this time.
