When do I need to replace the water pump?

I just bought a 2000 Tacoma (manual, 4x4, V6, 107,000 miles). It seems that water is very slowly dripping through the skid plate holes. After looking for details online, it seems this might mean I need to replace the water pump.

If it is the water pump going bad, how quickly do I need to replace it? I'd like to be able to wait at least a few weeks to save money for the repair.

Thanks.

 

If it's the water pump and you can't afford to change it right away. You better check your radiator level and or coolant resevior. When mine started leaking I would pour a half of a bottle of coolant in and by morning it was empty and all over the ground. Usually when the water pump starts to fail it's best to change everything. Like Timing belt, thermostat and all that good stuff. At least that's what I did w/ mine. Good luck OP! The water pump is a very important part.

 

I would do a more detailed inspection and make sure it is the water pump. Take the skid plates off and take a looksee. Also check the radiator tanks. Both upper and bottom tanks. They are known to get hairline cracks that are barely noticeable. Usually on the top tank though.

And I'd like to say it should last that long before you get to the repair, but you never know. It could go out tomorrow, or could last months. Of you really gotta wait, just take it easy, and keep a VERY close eye on the temp gauge. Like one eye on the road and the other on that gauge. As soon as you notice it creeping up, pull over and shut her down. Remmber that the temp gauge is not that accurate and the slightest increase in temp will mean it's already overheating. In the red it's too late.

 

Make sure you can find the leak before replacing any parts. I blew a headgasket and it was leaking water externally and running off of the skid so you never know what the cause could be until you find it.

 

Pressure tester is your friend .

Help you find the leak in a short time

 

The best time to replace the water pump is just before it goes belly-up !

 

Like mentioned above, take off the skid plate and see if you can see where it's leaking. Does the truck have A/C? is it leaking "water" when your driving or just sitting and shut off?

 

It appears that I overreacted. After observing the underside of the truck and my last few parking spaces, it seems that I was just seeing water that had pooled in the skidplate from the ac.
Thanks for all the feedback.

 

You sure about that? I thought the drain was located above the ground, not above the skid plate, and at the firewall...

Not only that, I assumed you were losing coolant. Is it full?

 

T

yeah, mine drips onto the pass frame rail which is past the edge of the skid plate.

@OP have you checked your coolant level? edit: if you do so make sure the engine has been off for a long time and the radiator is cool to the touch before removing the cap!!!!!!

 

coolant is pink and smells chemically, a/c condensation is clear and odorless (or maybe musty smelling if your a/c has gone moldy on you)