Hi all,
I have a 2002 V70 with 78,000 miles on it. To my knowledge no symptoms of a water pump problem issue or failure. I have an appt this Sat at a Volvo garage to have the timing belt replaced as they indicated when I had it in recently for an oil change that the belt is frayed/small cracks and that belts are due at 100,000 mile or seven years of age.

The service rep in confirming my appt today indicated they would inspect and replace the water pump ($300) if it was leaking or had worn bearings. They said it would be less expensive to replace it now as a preventative measure now then wait for it to go bad and replace it as a stand alone repair. Evidently the timing belt needs to come off the replace the water pump.

My questions are as follows:

What are the signs of a failing water pump and does it seem this one may reasonably be due for a new one?

Does the price and logic of replacing the water pump now seem to make sense?

Thanks for any replys.

Cheers,
wvdthree

A $300 water pump? Typically, water pumps last 200K miles, so long as the antifreeze is flushed every 4 years or so.

More important is the tensioner and roller with a new belt.

BTW, no one takes off the pump to inspect the bearing. That would mean putting on a new seal and extra work. Any good mechanic can just spin the the pump, if there is any play then the pump is replaced.

I am surprised that there is fraying of the belt. Usually that only happens when a roller bearing is going bad.

Is this the sole mechanic in your town?

http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/product_id/2680/nm/Volvo_V70_Genuine_Volvo_Water_Pump_1998_2007_/category_id/88


Klaus
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1967 220 belonging to C.A. lives on

Klaus,
Thanks so much for the quick response. For clarification, the $300 was for the pump installed. I don't think he was suggesting that they would take off the pump to inspect the bearing but "look for leaks and worn bearings".

This is a large Toyota garage in Wisconsin that used to have the Volvo dealership/service and no longer have the dealership. They had a steady,reliable Volvo customer base for repairs so they have kept on several Volvo mechanics.

There is a Volvo dealer in town who I have not been to and an independent Volvo/Saab guy I've been to and like but he is not as conveniently located for me any longer. Sounds like maybe I should get the car to him for another opinion?


wvdthree

Personally, I would charge someone $300 to replace the water pump as a standalone operation. As part of the timing belt replacement charge, it would be 15 minutes mechanic time and $50 for the pump (I don't come cheap).

It doesn't hurt to call around. But don't come to the Twin Cities where the dealers charge $130+/hour.

Klaus
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1967 220 belonging to C.A. lives on

Hi,
Just had the T belt + water pump replaced om wife`s 03 XC70 @ 170K. Had work done at an indie shop in Montana where labor rates are $62/hr which sure beats $135 at local dealer here in Canada where even indie shops charge $120.
I figured the water pump was probably good for awhile yet but why not replace it while they`re in there. One less thing for my wife to worry about!
As usual, Klaus offers good advice.
Rich