[jotoole]

Definitely do the water pump.

I'm on pump #3 at 88,000 mi on my 2000 base. They seem to be good for 30,000 mi or 3 years. Would replace mine at either benchmark.

Failed pump can leave broken impeller pieces circulating through cooling system possibly causing a blockage. The overheating can also cause a cracked head, which may show up later.