Hey guys,

In more modern cars, a leaking water pump usually is indicative of WP bearing failure, and that the water pump is on its way out.

I was fixing the alternator the other day is our 91 240, and noticed some coolant on the front of the engine and on the water pump. My first thought was that the bearings were bad and that the pump needs to be replaced, but on further research, it seems that the leak is actually come from ABOVE the bearings, where the water pump meets the block, if that makes any sense.

I don't drive the car much, so I can't comment of its consistant or loss of coolant level, except for the fact that the most recent time I saw the car, it was low on coolant.

So, is it common for the water pump to develop leaks at the seals over time? Is it difficult to seal the water pump when replacing it? This car is really on a shoestring budget, so I'd prefer not to just replace the water pump as a knee-jerk reaction. Yes, I know how stupid this sounds, but its a long story and I'm just not putting any money into this car unless I absolutely have to because its future is uncertain.

We don't know the mileage on the car, but I estimate 200-225k. Water pump was last replaced around 150k I believe.