Solved! GATES WP went bad in 40k miles - Noise - CVVT hub or water pump? Topic is solved

nelaco · Post by **nelaco** » 24 Oct 2019, 03:34

Hi everyone, I am trying to figure out this noise. I removed the serpentine belt and it didn't change. The water pump is a Gates I installed 40k miles ago when I replaced the timing belt, etc.
I first thought it was the CVVT hub but once I removed the timing covers I noticed the pump is leaking coolant. Also, I had replaced the seals on both hubs and cams since I had an oil leak 7 months/5k miles ago. The hubs had about 2mm play...not ideal but I left them alone.
Could you please watch this video and let me know what you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O96LV1nE2V4

Thank you in advance!

2005 XC90 2.5T AWD - 160k miles

Post by **oragex** » 24 Oct 2019, 07:50

Well, that tells us indeed about the Gates quality. They may have good belts, but that doesn't mean the rest of the kit is of good brands. I would also think about having replacement tensioner and roller at hand. Go with Continental this time, and with an Aisin water pump - Fcpeuro has decent prices. By the noise it makes, I would not delay it. May be worth changing the video title to mention how long the pump in the Gates kit lasted.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... -1#fitment

nelaco · Post by **nelaco** » 24 Oct 2019, 08:11

Thank you for the quick reply.
Agreed, the Gates belts are great but the water pump is terrible. I got lucky it was making the noise and found the small leak. Since it only had 40k miles I didn't think that was the issue. I already purchased a new Aisin and I'll go with Continental for the rest as you suggested. Planning to do it over the weekend and I am NOT using the car until it is repaired. The risk is too high.
I went ahead and change the title of the video...good idea.
Appreciate the help!

nelaco · Post by **nelaco** » 26 Oct 2019, 12:26

I just replaced the water pump (and a few other things since I was already there). Sounds great again. The bearings on the GATES WP were in terrible shape. Thankfully I didn't let it run like that for long...It had only been a week since I heard the noise.
Those of you with GATES water pumps keep a close eye on it. Looks like a lot of people had issues with them.
Thank you again everyone!

Post by **SuperHerman** » 26 Oct 2019, 13:55

I would say keep a close EAR on them. Actually listening for bearing noise is super important on all cars. Your attention saved your attention.

My daughters laugh at me when we go to the grocery store. I hear noises and tell them, failing power steering, failing pulley ... Most cars scream I am failing and people just keep going until the car gives up.

Post by **cn90** » 26 Oct 2019, 14:27

This issue has been discussed many times in forum:
- TB kit from Volvo or INA
- Belts: Conti if possible.
- WP: Aisin > Hepu. Both are good at $55 or so.

The problem with local parts stores in the US: they carry what brings them the MOST profit.
So if a WP was made let's say in China for about $20, and if they can sell it to us for $60 because
we need it on an urgent basis on the weekend, then they already made a big profit simply b/c we
need it ASAP.

The key thing with import cars is: if you can plan ahead, then get parts from Conti, INA etc.
(FCPEuro has these parts) ahead of time. Not only they fit perfectly, they save you money/headache
on the long run...

Post by **oragex** » 27 Oct 2019, 11:24

We should share this on the S60/V70 forum as well, same 2.5T engine. What was the brand - if any - marked on the pump ? Any pics ?

nelaco · Post by **nelaco** » 27 Oct 2019, 11:34

No brand on it...here are the pictures

Post by **abscate** » 27 Oct 2019, 23:34

Bumped for a session of ring around the Fora!

All that work to save $20 on apart that can ruin your engine.