My Gates Water Pump Is Failing. Suggestions?

[el Nuke]

and the manufacturer makes a point not to reuse bolts.

I can't imagine these are TTY bolts securing the water pump in place, so requiring new ones with each pump replacement strikes me as odd.

I would not let the lack of bolt inclusion stop me from purchasing a pump I otherwise wanted to get. I'd either reuse the old bolts or take one to a local nut & bolt shop to get replacements there.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Fom what rock auto has, Graf or GMB.

 

[zzyzzx]

The AC Delco is likely outsourced junk

When I replaced the water pump on my 1999 Alero earlier this year I got the impression that the AC Delco unit was the equivalent to a parts store white box parts. Having written that, the parts store white box part (bought at Advance Auto) worked for 10 years before the seal failed and I got a new one under their warranty and it's very easy to replace.

 

[Nukeman7]

For domestic applications, I have had exceptional luck with new Murray water pumps from O'Reilly auto parts. They have a lifetime warranty, but I've never had to use it. While not as inexpensive as Rockauto, they have a 20% off code if you order it online for free home delivery.

Murray Water Pump @ O'Reilly

It looks identical to the Carter Rapid Fit water pump available at Rockauto (down to the Y-02 stamp on the casting, red silicone gasket and anodized bolts).

 

[zzyzzx]

For domestic applications, I have had exceptional luck with new Murray water pumps from O'Reilly auto parts. They have a lifetime warranty, but I've never had to use it. While not as inexpensive as Rockauto, they have a 20% off code if you order it online for free home delivery.

Murray Water Pump @ O'Reilly

That's how I got the new one for free at Advance Auto. I did the online order and printed a copy of the receipt with my home printer (Important because the auto parts store receipt would have faded) and then put that in the box with my old water pump that I kept in my attic for 10 years. When I went to look at my auto parts junk box in the attic, I found my previous bad water pump in the water pump box along with the receipt. Was able to use that 10 year old receipt for a water pump I paid $18 for to get a new water pump that otherwise would have cost me $40. I once brought in an 11 year old receipt to a NAPA to get an alternator.

 

[D60]

When I replaced the water pump on my 1999 Alero earlier this year I got the impression that the AC Delco unit was the equivalent to a parts store white box parts. Having written that, the parts store white box part (bought at Advance Auto) worked for 10 years before the seal failed and I got a new one under their warranty and it's very easy to replace.

I had an AC Delco fail on a Dodge Magnum in 4 months. However, the wp is pretty easy on these motors.

I warrantied it thru RA on principle alone because not only should consumers expect high failure rates with cheap parts but I believe companies should expect high return/warranty rates.

The AC Delco part did include the metal bypass tube that always rusts out (dumb design) and that was a nice touch which initially factored in to my purchase decision.

 

[Snagglefoot]

When people share experiences on bad parts they are often referring to the 90’s or earlier followed with “ I won’t use that junk again.”

Well that’s 25 or more years ago. Chinese manufacturing is way better, believe it or not. I have an AC Delco “ made in China “ Professional pump that 6 is years old with 55,000 miles on it. I even did a coolant change since I installed it. Still going strong. Just sayin.

You can typically order new bolts off Amazon if one is worried about them.

 

[zzyzzx]

I can't imagine these are TTY bolts securing the water pump in place, so requiring new ones with each pump replacement strikes me as odd.

I would not let the lack of bolt inclusion stop me from purchasing a pump I otherwise wanted to get. I'd either reuse the old bolts or take one to a local nut & bolt shop to get replacements there.

Different engine for my Alero (GM 3400) but I have also noticed that some aftermarket water pumps come with new bolts. I just assumed that was due to corrosion issues.