coolant leak ( water pump and radiator)

I noticed recently that my antifreeze reservoir was a little low. I just took it in for an oil change and asked them to check for any coolant leaks. They found that the radiator was starting to leak which didn't surprise me too much since it is the original radiator ( 2002, 228,000 miles).

However I was surprised to hear that my water pump was also leaking. I just replaced the timing belt and water pump 3 years and 23,000 miles ago. This was done at the dealer and even though it has been more that 12 months they are going to try and get Toyota to cover it.

How unusual is it for a Toyota water pump to start leaking so soon? I'm hoping this was just a fluke. Also, should I be concerned about the timing belt? They said they would inspect it but I'm not sure how much that means. Should I be confident that this timing belt should be fine for another 67,000 miles?

 

They probably didn’t do a good job putting on the RTV sealant for the new water pump. It might have to be redone I would imagine.

I wouldn’t worry about the timing belt if they said it was done unless you went to some shady dealer. Usually I ask for the old parts to confirm they were replaced.

 

I'd trust but verify... get a second opinion. My sc400 is leaking at the radiator as well and the fans have splattered it all over the front of the engine making me think I was also leaking at the water pump. My brother who is a mechanic looked at it and also said water pump and ignored the radiator.. radiator is cracked at the top and seeping when its hot..

 

Wow! Your radiator lasted a long time. Mine went out a year after replacing the Timing Belt with 112k miles. The water pump was leaking and the TB was changed. Should have done the radiator at the same time, but didn’t.

If Toy is covering the job make them do everything fresh again and put a new TB belt on as that has to come off to do the Water Pump. Might want to replace the Alternator with a Reman as yours is getting near the end most likely. This will save you headache in the possible near future.

 

Thanks for the replies. I just heard from the dealer and Toyota is covering the water pump. They said that the timing belt looked fine so they will just replace the water pump and then the radiator. I guess I am lucky that I don't need to pay for the new pump, hopefully the belt is fine for the remaining 67,000 miles ( or 3 years) .

 

My water pump and timing belt was done at 109k and water pump failed again at 134k. I had em do the timing belt since they were already in there belt looked good though . I like for everything to be on the same schedule if at all possible