Is my Water pump Bad
 

Hi All,

I have a 2001 Boxster automatic 127000 km on it. I bought it when it had 50,000 km. Recently its been making a loud scratching sound from the engine compartment. I took the cover off and ran the engine and started listening using a long screw driver. I initially though it was the upper roller pulley. I took the belt off and ran it for 15 seconds. The sound was gone. I assumed it was one of the components that are attached to the belt. I ended up replacing the upper roller pulley. The sound didn't go away. I took everything else apart and now I'm not sure if its the alternator that's making it or the water pump. I don't know when the water pump was replaced if at all. I know i didn't replace it. I made a video of me spinning both components by hand.

If you guys can tell me if they sound normal that would be great!

Porsche Boxter waterpump bad - YouTube

That's about the mileage the water pump should be replaced if it hasn't yet been done. If it were me I'd replace it regardless and hopefully you fix your problem. If you do it yourself I'd highly recommend the vacuum bleeding tool recommended on Pedro's site.

Steve

I had no problems bleeding mine manually, you've just got to be diligent.

The thing is i usually buy all my parts online and if it wasn't the pump I'd rather buy all the parts i need to get it done. Shipping to Canada from the states adds up quickly. I have already paid for shipping once when i bought the upper pulley. I just need to know if the pump and alternator sound funny.

Ramo80,

After watching your video a couple of times I've come to the conclusion that I would change out the water pump. It's time to swap it out because of the plastic impeller and it just might cure that screeching sound you're complaining about. Don't forget a new belt while you're at it.

does it matter that its not leaking? I mean can the pump start failing and making noises but not leak?

that's exactly how mine sounded when i swapped it out. it was just slightly seeping but i never saw any of the coolant on the ground. it would only leak when it was moving. after it was parked, the few drops of coolant would cool and cake on a few of the lines. the blades had not started grinding down yet. after pulling it out it had a slight wobble to it...

Thanks all for your help. I took the water pump out and even though it wasn`t making much noise on the car it was making crazy noises off the car. There was also a lot of play in the shaft. I made a video so the next person trying this will know what it sounds on the car and off the car

The difference between a good water pump and a bad one - YouTube

Thanks for the feedback!

everything was put back together and it is confirmed. The water pump was the only culprit. Shes back on the road after 2 weeks of waiting on different parts to be shipped.

Great to hear!!

Perfect comparison, thank you!!

A little late now but when doing the water pump usually you ought to also replace the thermostat as well... this is also a known problem item