hi guys

about 2 years ago when i bought my TL i replaced the water pump, timing belt and belt retensioner ... i think. Now after 2 yrs and 70,000kms later the water pump has shit itself.

i'm fairly certain that it's the water pump cos it's leaking from that area, there aren't any coolant pipes around there and i can't see if it's leaking from the head.... So all i can gather that it's leaking from the timing case... Unless you guys can give me other options.

I replaced it with a GMB or GWB... i can't remember. But not long after i replaced it, the pump was making a awful noise. A bearing noise. It was about 2 months or about 5000kms.

Are there any other good quality water pumps on the market?

The factory water pump that i pulled out, the casting on the factory compared to the GWB was way more superior.

A mate mentioned, Gates did water pumps too... anyone rates them???
OEM pumps are $290... i'm on a tight budget too.... considering Rego was 2 weeks ago

any feedback is highly appreciated

garry

Use a Mistubishi VSP (Value Select Parts) water pump kit, if you're on a budget. VSP is a budget arm of Mitsubishi service parts. If they're the same as the TJs, they're around $130 for the part (+ labour) and I'm pretty sure they carry some kind of factory-backed warranty. Confirm that with a Mitsubishi dealer.
I am using one on my TJ, and have put 10,000km since fitment with no problems (replaced with the timing belt).

The GMB pumps are very good pumps but there are a lot of fakes out there, is the issue with the net and people who want to spend a few cents on a vital product. {not saying is the case with yourself but is for many}

I personally sell Airtek and NPW, of the hundreds or more I have sold I have never had a single one come back, with your pump if there was noise after 5k then there are 2 things that could be the issue, the timing belt was done up too tight (I see this often, had one in the other day where the belt was so tight that the pre tensioner was hard up against the bearing carrier) OR the pump may have just been one of those rare faulty units, remember when thousands of a product are made there may be the odd one that is faulty. Either way, you have done 70k now but after 5k there were issues, why did you not take this issue up 65k ago

The VS or Value Select range are NOT genuine Mits parts, they are sold by Mits but they are generic parts (belts are Dayco and I think the pumps are GMB) which Mits have then boxed and branded to try and win back some of the trade. VS is not meant to be sold over the counter to public but often is. Either way VS is often still more expensive than the same item in another box.

Who manufactures the OE water pumps, Mal?

the reason why i didn't fix it 65K ago... the job itself was not a small job. I didn't want to pull the car apart again.

I'm not discounting the fact that it could've been a faulty batch. I also spoke to a mate who replaced his water pump in his Bombadore, same story. He's wasn't leaking but he said it made terrible bearing noises. He's also a good mechanic. As for tightness of timing belt.... who knows. it was 2yrs ago. All i do remember was that i did everything by the FSM and it took me close to 8hrs.

but anyway... Airtek and NPW. How much are they? and do you think they're as good as OEM or even better??