markelemon

D*mn cars!
Hello there. I don't know why my car waits until the holidays to start taking a sh*t!
So my belt is squeaking, pretty loud and almost goes away when I step on the gas. (Once it warms up.) My mind tells me it's a water pump leaking antifreeze onto the belt. (I don't know why MY mind thinks it knows anything)
My questions are--does it sound like a water pump going bad? And, how complicated is that to change?
Thank you in advance.

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1999 Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor 4.6 Liter V8

CatSkinner

If all you have is sound, there's not enough to say that it's your water pump. It could be your alternator (which would also have other symptoms), an idler pulley, power steering, or just a failing belt. I suggest making sure you have a good diagram of how the serpentine belt goes and take it off and try everything by hand for wear and a good inspection of the belt.

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Prius repellant, just add gas.

Bajarider

As Cat said, make sure you have a belt routing diagram. Then remove the belt to remove tension on all accessory drive components. Next, examine the belt. Note if it is cracked or shows signs of wear, especially on the sides (more on that later).

Next, check each accessory component for excessive play. The pulleys should not "wiggle". Don't forget the idler pulley. Spin the idler pulley to ensure it spins freely and does not squeak. Also spin the water pump. It shouldn't spin as freely as the idler pulley, but listen for noise and feel for roughness. Check the water pump weep hole for moisture. If water is leaking from the weep hole, replace the water pump. Pump replacement is straight-forward

If any other component shows signs of wear after testing, replace it. Same with the belt, and be particularly aware of pulley play if the belt shows signs of excessive side wear. Excessive wear will indicate a problem with one or more accessories. I replace idler pulleys about every 100,000 miles, just because.

Buffalo Bill

I AGREE! if the water pump is going to be replaced I would do the idler pulley as well!!
No sense in going there twice... for a few bucks more it's well worth it! Belt , pump pulley!!! MAKE SURE ALL PULLEYS ARE CLEAN AND DRY!!!!