Water pump issues 5.7 Hemi

[drfeelgood]

I've noticed a strange, oscillating, rhythmic grind/growl/rattle sound coming from underhood of my Jeep over the past couple weeks, most noticeable after engine warmed up. It's not scary loud, but definitely noticeable. I'm suspecting it may be the water pump again. Had the original pump replaced under warranty at about 40k miles, and this sounds similar. I've gathered from multiple sources that water pumps on the 5.7 Hemi may be weak points. I haven't noted any cooling issues, codes or coolant leaks yet.
Before taking to mechanic or trying to replace it myself, any other thoughts on what may make that kind of noise? If I replace pump, I'm not thrilled about overpaying for a Mopar part, given their apparent issues. Anyone used any other brands of pumps on the Hemi?

 

[IcarusLSC]

When the waterpump on my Hemi went, it made a supercharger type whine when accelerating, but no noise really otherwise. There was playing the pully/bearing with the belt off.
The Gates Hemi waterpump has a lifetime warranty fwiw...

 

[GMBoy]

Try to isolate the sound to the source. You can buy cheap stetoscopes under $5 auto parts stores or take a long screwdriver and touch it to your ear as you touch water pump to see if it;s the culprit. Obviously only do this if safe on a running motor. Based on your experience it sounds like it could be your pump again. I would not buy the OEM again either if it's proven not to last. The last Hemi I changed a WP on I used a Gates off RockAuto. It was priced right and quality seemed just fine. I've probably installed 20-30 various Gates water pumps this year and never any issues....I would try the Gates.

 

[drfeelgood]

Update on water pump. Took above advice and bought Gates pump, pulley, belt, etc and changed this weekend. Sure enough, sound is gone. I could move the pulley/shaft on the old one, so worn out bearings. Again. Hopefully better luck with the Gates

 

[Chris142]

That pump is super easy to replace. Pull the belt off and spin things.

 

[CarDoc66]

Update on water pump. Took above advice and bought Gates pump, pulley, belt, etc and changed this weekend. Sure enough, sound is gone. I could move the pulley/shaft on the old one, so worn out bearings. Again. Hopefully better luck with the Gates

How’s it holding up? I work at a dealer and we haven’t had good luck with Gates or NAPA pumps. My 5.7 has 142k still on the original.

 

[drfeelgood]

How’s it holding up? I work at a dealer and we haven’t had good luck with Gates or NAPA pumps. My 5.7 has 142k still on the original.

So far, so good. Given that each of the 2 Mopar pumps lasted 40-50k, may be a while before I can say for sure!

 

[zzyzzx]

I've noticed a strange, oscillating, rhythmic grind/growl/rattle sound coming from underhood of my Jeep over the past couple weeks, most noticeable after engine warmed up. It's not scary loud, but definitely noticeable. I'm suspecting it may be the water pump again. Had the original pump replaced under warranty at about 40k miles, and this sounds similar. I've gathered from multiple sources that water pumps on the 5.7 Hemi may be weak points. I haven't noted any cooling issues, codes or coolant leaks yet.
Before taking to mechanic or trying to replace it myself, any other thoughts on what may make that kind of noise? If I replace pump, I'm not thrilled about overpaying for a Mopar part, given their apparent issues. Anyone used any other brands of pumps on the Hemi?

I have used GMB and had good results with them (on other cars). Even replaced the timing belt on my Escort and left the GMB pump in and it outlasted the car. Actually I took it one step further, when I replaced my head gasket and my normally not accessible water pump was easily accessible, I still left the GMB water pump in.

 

[Kruse]

How’s it holding up? I work at a dealer and we haven’t had good luck with Gates.

While I haven’t had any problems with a Gates water pump, I’ve yet to see one that hasn’t been made in China. It’s the new normal, I guess.

 

[andyd]

I have used GMB and had good results with them (on other cars). Even replaced the timing belt on my Escort and left the GMB pump in and it outlasted the car. Actually I took it one step further, when I replaced my head gasket and my normally not accessible water pump was easily accessible, I still left the GMB water pump in.

I used GMB pumps on my BMWs. Not only were they durable, they were the lowest priced.This was decades ago and they were made in Japan at the time