Author Topic: Worn pulley bearing (Read 4244 times)

DAKOTAKIDD · « **on:** March 02, 2009, 07:07:02 pm »

Hey guys..I changed all my v belts today and while I was doing this I noticed the water pump inner pulley is worn and sloppy.

Can I just unbolt the 2 pulleys and change bearings or do I have to pull the water pump completely to change the bearings or will I have to change the water pump to cure the worn bearings?

Let me know

BTW--The car has 3 v belts and has A/C.

Thx

the caveman · « **Reply #1 on:** March 02, 2009, 07:14:40 pm »

the bearing is pressed in the water pump housing. replace the whole pump or just the front half.

jtanguay · « **Reply #2 on:** March 02, 2009, 07:34:44 pm »

do as the caveman says, and do it soon. i've had a water pump fail on a van, and its not fun. coolant everywhere, and vehicle has to be towed or fixed on the spot (or moved if you're he-man :lol:)

just replace the actual pump itself. much easier to do. the whole unit requires removing all accessories. i think you need to unbolt the lower timing belt cover though... one thing to remember, is NOT to gouge the sealing surface. some of the gasket is most likely going to stick to the housing (the metal/rubber gasket is more $$$ but will prevent this) and you need to clean that off. you can scrape it off, but be VERY careful. it doesn't take much to ruin the sealing surface, and then you need to get into sealing gunk... not fun! but other than that its all good :lol:

this is also a good time to flush the coolant system, as well as test and install a new thermostat if yours isn't working the way it should. different parts places should sell water pump lubricant (additive), and that should help avoid problems like this in the future :wink:

on a side note, does anyone know if the VW approved coolant has any lube properties??? just out of curiosity.

edit: is G12 coolant just DexCool??? :?

Dakotakid · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2009, 09:59:56 am »

Isn't he making reference to the "free-wheeling" inner pulley....not the pump itself?

vanbcguy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2009, 12:18:38 pm »

I think he means the inner pulley too...

I haven't figured out a way to rebuild it - but I only had mine off the car for a bit. Mine is clattering and rattling like mad, but thankfully not wobbling yet. They're made out of some kind of exotic unobtanium as far as I can tell, as they're pratically impossible to find anywhere.

DAKOTAKIDD · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2009, 01:46:26 pm »

Yes I do mean that inner free wheeling pulley! The water pump shaft is tight. I have just a really worn pulley only.

Thx for the replies..

madmedix · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2009, 06:57:37 pm »

I've heard that rumour too: C12 being DeathCool. Both are proprietary items so info about them would be tough to come by...
Let's just say I had grounds to remove the DeathCool from my Chev :wink:

DAKOTAKIDD · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2009, 09:07:30 am »

So was it much trouble to remove the pulleys? I am going to try it this weekend and any pointers will be appreciated.

Cheers

the caveman · « **Reply #8 on:** March 05, 2009, 01:54:30 pm »

I forgot about that style of dual pulleys.
To remove them without any special tool, but you will need a good 6 mm allen key or socket- first hit each bolt with a hammer to shake the tension off them. I don't remember if the bolts are exposed but if so, you can use a screwdriver or prybar between one of the bolts and the hub to keep the pulley from turning while loosening one of the bolts. If they aren't exposed use a medium pair of water pump pliers to hold the hub behind the pulleys- this way works well. once the 3 bolts are off a bit of wd-40 will help to get the pulley off the hub if it's frozen. tap lightly from side to side and they should come off.

Dakotakid · « **Reply #9 on:** March 07, 2009, 12:47:38 am »

Did you ever find one of these pulleys?
As I recall, Autohauzarizona sells these for my 16 valve gasmobile.
I did look to see if they had a listing for the TD diesel...they do not.
I did not take the time to see if any of my usual alternative parts "pushers" had a listing for these or not....like Egerman parts, or Adirondack parts.

I wonder how much of a size difference there is between the diesel and the 16 valve sprockets. I never knew these existed until I put a new cam belt on the 16'er this late fall. :oops:
Luckily, mine is still nice.

smutts · « **Reply #10 on:** March 07, 2009, 02:33:57 pm »

Keep blasting those wimpy M6 bolts on the water pump with Plus Gas or similar whilst you think about it for a couple of days, then there will be a sporting chance of getting the water pump to split as wished. :wink:

DAKOTAKIDD · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2009, 01:28:17 pm »

my pulley was worn so I went to change it out and found the water pump shaft was the culprit. The pulley also had play but since its rare and hard to find, its staying on the car until I can find one.

So after a new water pump, valve cover gasket, intermediate shaft seal, re-timed I off to the races again. The timing belt was good so the mechanic left it on there.