Water Pump Failure?

[glxrustang]

I've got this weird sound coming from the acessories in front (pass side) of the engine like a water pump or power steering. Real loud chattering that speeds up when revved. And whines when I drive. Does any one know what a water pump sounds like when it's going out? It's getting down right embarrassing to drive..

 

[93rev2sev]

Remove accessory belt if the sound remains, it's a timing belt.

 

[frosho]

I'd bet on an accessory belt tensioner/idler. Is the car an automatic or manual?

 

[glxrustang]

Its a manual, does that make a difference?

 

[firebat45]

My waterpump was completely shot when I got the car, the pulley shaft would wobble around in the housing. It made no noise at all.

Not sure that's going to apply to all SHOs, but whining sounds like timing belt or alt/PS.

 

[stangeater]

I agree, take all the accessory belts off, and see if it still wines......if the wining doesn't stop, it's the timing belt or tensioner. While the belts are off, check all your idler pullies.

 

[frosho]

Its a manual, does that make a difference?

The 3.2 (auto) has one serpentine belt for all the accessories and an automatic tensioner. The 3.0 (manual) has two accessory belts, each with a manual tensioner pulley. These have been known to whine when the bearings go bad. (One of mine went bad and it sounded like a supercharger.)

Take one of the belts off and start it to see if the noise is still present. If it disappears, you know that it's either the tensioner or one of the accessories driven by that belt. If it's still noisy, take off the other belt and repeat.

 

[tdoughboy37]

Take a look at the harmonic balancer attached to the crank. They sometimes separate and work their way into the timing cover and grind into the tab that protrudes from the oil pan. Had to replace one of mine because of this awhile back and had to replace for someone last week because of this.
You will be able to see it if its separating.