Hey guys since inheriting my 2006 v6 tribute I’ve been tuning it up. I currently have 127k on it.

one of the “bigger” items that sticks out at me is the water pump. It’s likely the original.

the car runs fine, coolant looks like the right color, no noises, water pump belt doesn’t seem to have cracks.

i’m just wondering is there a specific interval when to change the water pump?

i drive 100miles everyday and it runs great, i have a road trip planned in feb which is about 200 min each way.

 

Go by feel , slip the belt off , grab pulley and see if there is any wobble as that will show the state of the bearings , not too much wobble then there is no rush , any slight wobble really means it's a job to be done in the near future . (i have a new pump on the desk waiting to be fitted one day)
And obviously there should be no significant fluid weep at the small water drain hole in the housing .
Paul

 

Unless its leaking, noisy or overheating, leave it alone.

 

That is simplistic advice and obvious , to check the actual condition of the pump is the way i have mentioned and will advise one whether there is a up-coming issue at a undetermined later date , There can be no noise no leaks or overheating until its to late .

 

What brand pump do you recommend? I haven’t been able to find anything with super great consistent reviews online.

 

I won't recommend any except i pick the mid-priced ones , there are now impellers that are plastic these days also .

Check out Rock A the last time i looked they had half a dozen at different price ranges from real cheap (in price) to 4 times that cost .

 

Yea i was checking them out ... i was actually wondering what the stock one is .. if that is plastic or metal.

I was also considering buying a re-manufactured mazda one from the dealer and just replacing the pump (they give you the whole housing)

 

IMO there is no reason to replace the whole thing unless there is something wrong with the housing , plus one could introduce other issue's as one has to remove hoses and the likes .

Whatever way you go is up to you and the same goes for the price you want to pay , i'm not going to tell you you have to do anything , enough said by me so cya .