Does the coolant lubricate the water pump?

Richard99 · Post by **Richard99** » 19 Oct 2020, 19:47

Curious if the coolant lubricates the water pump on these cars? I had an incident where I was low on coolant, so I fixed the issue, refilled the coolant, and there was a horrible screeching sound for about 20 seconds that gradually went away.

Eric

Post by **erikv11** » 19 Oct 2020, 20:24

No. The bearing around the water pump shaft is sealed, if coolant comes in contact with the bearing it will actually ruin it by stripping out the grease.

The coolant can help to cool the bearing I suppose, but not to lubricate it.

I don't know how to explain the screeching.

Post by **jimmy57** » 19 Oct 2020, 22:37

Spilled coolant will make the belt squeal

Post by **MoVolvos** » 19 Oct 2020, 23:27

jimmy57 wrote: 19 Oct 2020, 22:37 Spilled coolant will make the belt squeal

I thought by adding moisture to a worn dry or loose belt provided friction so it's one of the methods to test / eliminate a squeaking belt. It could also be a coincidence but he could spray some 303 to soak the belt for a day and it should not come back, unless; the idler bearing is starting to go, belt is loose, worn or both or worse case the water pump is starting to go.

https://www.amazon.com/30340CSR-Protect ... r=8-2&th=1

*

Post by **Eddystone** » 20 Oct 2020, 15:30

Richard99 wrote: 19 Oct 2020, 19:47 Curious if the coolant lubricates the water pump on these cars? I had an incident where I was low on coolant, so I fixed the issue, refilled the coolant, and there was a horrible screeching sound for about 20 seconds that gradually went away.

Eric

I just installed an Aisin (?) (volvo) water pump. In the box was a prominently printed note warning you NOT to rotate the impeller without coolant in there to lubricate things. So, the bearing itself is sealed, but the tolerances are so close (at least on the OEM pump) that the impeller will score the casting. Note says that if you score the casting, the pump could make a high pitched noise forever after. Just reporting what was in the box.

Post by **erikv11** » 20 Oct 2020, 15:44

Good info Eddystone thanks!

Post by **misha** » 20 Oct 2020, 16:28

Eddystone wrote: 20 Oct 2020, 15:30 ...I just installed an Aisin (?) (volvo) water pump. In the box was a prominently printed note warning you NOT to rotate the impeller without coolant in there to lubricate things. So, the bearing itself is sealed, but the tolerances are so close (at least on the OEM pump) that the impeller will score the casting. Note says that if you score the casting, the pump could make a high pitched noise forever after. Just reporting what was in the box.

That note is also present in SKF water pump box.

Post by **abscate** » 20 Oct 2020, 18:03

Vida solution for squealing water pump is “remove sus scrofa”

Outside Don Beyer Volvo in VA

Post by **Sveedy** » 20 Oct 2020, 18:46

Many years ago I worked for a general engineering contractor who had 55gal drums of water soluble oil that they used in their heavy equipment. We used a little bit in our personal vehicles as well. Seems like it would make sense on a couple if levels; maybe less corrosion.