1999 s70 GLT w' 60K miles

[mecheng]

It also fails safe and leaks slightly rather than seizing.

Not mine, no leaks prior to failure and the bearing just fell apart in an instant while driving on the highway. The damage was nasty and I don't wish this to happen to anyone.
If you are in there doing the TB what's another $80 or so for insurance, especially at 200k miles? Makes no sense to me not to do it.

To the OP: Pretty sweet find with that low mileage.

Was it an OEM waterpump, if so thats the first I've heard? It usually happens after someone replaces with an aftermarket WP right after their TB replacement; due to an infant mortality failure. Sometimes it is better to leave good enough alone.

Even my TB tensioner lasted 230,000 km before it started making noise. The original owner didn't replace it at the first belt change but it started making noise when cold; failed safe. Most OEM parts fail safe.

[BeachWagon]

In my experience, when it comes to low-miles old cars; old, unworked parts tend to not appreciate being suddenly put to work. Daily driving DC is a lot of stop-and-go, which is especially stressful on engines. A few extra parts, dollars and work will save you much more of all three later down the road. Flush that coolant system and give her a new OEM pump as well as new pulleys. You will depend on this car, invest!

I'm bringing an old S70 back to speed down here by the beach, and just did the PCV system service. While I was in there I completely overhauled the whole vacuum system. Every hose, every elbow. It added a lot more time to the work performed but ohhhh baby is it worth it now, car running smooth as glass and having the peace of mind that vacuum leaks won't be a weird issue I have to deal with.


By the way, if you do find yourself down this way say hi!

[erikv11]

On a 20 year old car, replacing every vacuum line is not bonus work to do if you have time, it is necessary baseline stuff. Regardless of mileage!

[rspi]

I replace all timing belt parts if they are over 10 years old, including the water pump. You are saving hundreds of dollars by doing your own work, don't skim out on the pump.

My wp failed at 19 years and 258,000 miles (I thought the pump had been changed). Had to change it on the side of the road two states away from home. When I got my low coolant light and checked the water pump, the belt was coming off of it. Had to drive another 3-1/2 miles like that, no fun.

I change pumps every 10 years regardless of the miles.