leahg

Thanks Z- Yes, the timing belt was replaced when I bought the car at 125K. The water pump wasn't replaced. (Edit: The timing belt was replaced before the sale) I actually don't know why the water pump is "starting to go" aside from its rattling...or so I'm told...so what does a rattling waterpump indicate? I guess my overall question would be- is it possible the water pump could live forever? I'll probably be driving this car for another year or so, but I've sunk a bunch of money into it, and obviously would like to avoid this latest round if possible. (Also, I just realized I should have posted this in the 'Newer Generation' forum- sorry! Moderators, please move...)

Hi everyone; this is my first post. I've got a 96 Outback 2.5 (automatic) with about 145K miles. I've owned the car for just over a year and have had a fair amount of maintenance-level work done on it- new alternator, timing belt, crankshaft sensor, plugs, etc. Just recently when I brought it in for transmission service and oil change, the guys at the garage freaked out over what they thought was a loose vibration damper in the crankshaft. Long story short, I brought it to the dealer, who torqued the pulley bolt (which is now sitting true) but diagnosed a failing water pump. Nothing's leaking as of yet, but they advised me to bring it in as soon as possible for a new pump. The men in my life suggest I wait until the pump goes- but I realize that by the time that happens, it may require replacing the timing belt again, tacking on an additional $100+ to an already $450 ordeal to swap out the pump. So is it worth it to wait? The guys think I'm crazy to spend money on it as this point, but then, these are new-belts-are-for-sissies, brakes-optional kind of guys. Thanks for your help- (I've learned a great deal from scouring these forums this past year!) -Leah