Water pump rattle ?

[TX '90 ZR1]

Hey Guys & Gals,
I am going to follow my own advice and ask before jumping in with both feet.
Car is a '90, 39k on the miles.
Have noticed a "rattle" sound at the front of the engine. Have verified it is coming from something belt driven. Have had my stethoscope all over it and can't tie it down for sure. Removed belt and the only thing I can find suspect is the water pump. The water pump shaft has a little (just enough to feel it move and a bit of noise when applying side pressure on the pulley) play so I am thinking it is on it's way out. It is not leaking any coolant though. All other driven items seem to be smooth and tight.
Anxious to get feedback with everyone's thoughts.

[secondchance]

Sure it?s not coming from the tensioner? Look for excessive bouncing while the motor (maybe I should say the engine?) is running.

[TX '90 ZR1]

Originally Posted by secondchance

Sure it?s not coming from the tensioner? Look for excessive bouncing while the motor (maybe I should say the engine?) is running.

Thanks, but the tensioner appears to be functioning properly. It just pulsates a small amount. Appears totally normal. I had suspected the tensioner itself or the tensioner pulley. I will replace the pulley if I have to go in there, but am pretty sure is not the source of the noise.

[Jagdpanzer]

Sounds like you have found the source. Should not be able to detect any shaft movement or roughness if the bearings are still good.


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[TX '90 ZR1]

[QUOTE=Jagdpanzer;323038]Sounds like you have found the source. Should not be able to detect any shaft movement or roughness if the bearings are still good.

That was my thinking, but I wanted to tap into the knowledge on this forum just to be sure.

[We Gone]

Take the belt off, start it up briefly no noise, check each component.

[TX '90 ZR1]

Originally Posted by We Gone

Take the belt off, start it up briefly no noise, check each component.

Thanks Steve,
My initial post may have not been thoroughly clear. Your suggestion is the procedure I used.
Now the inevitable "While I Am In There" question.
I plan on, of course, the water pump and gasket.. Also thinking hoses, clamps, tensioner pulley, air horn gasket and belt.
Anything else I should do? Don't have any oil leaks (already fixed them) so am good there.
Appreciate the feedback.

[WARP TEN]

An automotive stethoscope or even a short piece of garden hose can be extremely useful in tracking down a noise in a running engine. Have used this approach to isolate odd engine sounds more than once.--Bob

[We Gone]

Originally Posted by TX '90 ZR1

Thanks Steve,
My initial post may have not been thoroughly clear. Your suggestion is the procedure I used.
Now the inevitable "While I Am In There" question.
I plan on, of course, the water pump and gasket.. Also thinking hoses, clamps, tensioner pulley, air horn gasket and belt.
Anything else I should do? Don't have any oil leaks (already fixed them) so am good there.
Appreciate the feedback.

Kenny,


Sounds like your on the right track.


Good Luck.

[TX '90 ZR1]

Thanks Guys for the responses.
I am going to peruse it once more this weekend and, if no new findings, will order the parts from Jerry next week.