Unfortunately for me, when I purchased my car over 6 years ago, the previous owner had replaced the timing belt and most likely did not replace the water pump. An elderly lady owned the car and was probably mislead at the 90,000 mile service by an independent shop. Bottom line is at 124,000 miles I might have the original water pump. Since most owners replace the timing belt and water pump together, I wonder in general if there have been many incidents with leaking water pumps that were not replaced as they should at the 90,000 miles schedule. Anyone experience this or hear about any incidents? I know most of our parts are fairly robust but wear and tear + age is a factor.

 

I replaced my timing belt and water pump at 112k when I bought the car. The water pump was leaking, it wasn't enough to drip on the ground. When I pulled the pump it had crusties from leaking at the weep hole, I'd guess for a while, the crusties were about a 1/4 inch thick.

 

My pump was leak free at 112k miles. I wouldn't be overly concerned about it failing. If it does start leaking you can replace it then. And if it was my car I would do the entire timing belt service again when I did the pump no matter the mileage since the labor is the same.

 

I was able to confirm that the first 90,000 mile service / timing belt was done on my 2001 through Lexus, the water pump WAS NOT replaced. When I did the second timing belt at 190,000, the water pump was just starting to show signs of slight seal leaking.... It lasted 13 plus years.....

 

I had timing belt and water pump replaced at 160000km service through Lexus. Water pump was showing minimal leak. Saved a bit on labour cost doing both together.

 

I haven't searched through the posts, but I thought the standard was to replace the WP with the second TB service at 180K? Or am I mistaken?

 

Boca I have been on this site since 08, I may have missed one but really no mention of isolated water pump leaks to speak of. How do you know she most likely did not do the pump? Can ya call the original repair shop?

 

The timing belt was replaced by an independent shop and I was unable to locate them. However, due to a improper installation of the timing belt the car was taken (before I purchased it) to Lexus dealerhsip who reinstalled the belt. I did call and ask about the water pump and to the best of the techs knowledge, the water pump was the original. That's as much info as I was able to get. Too bad there is no easy way to inspect it without taking the car apart.