Water pump leak help

[DoubleTop]

I need some help to understand what this bit on the water pump is for.  I've taken mine off and refitted with a new gasket to start it back up today to see it's still dripping.  Closer investigation shows it's from a little hole that I noticed when I had the pump off.  What is this little hole and why would it be leaking?



If I start the engine briefly, it will leak for a short while after, almost like it's relieving pressure, and then stops leaking when the system isn't under any pressure.  A brief history, I started this maintenance based on some threads about the standard heater matrix gurgling so I did a full coolant change to find that even though the expansion tank was full there wasn't as much in the system as should be.

Thanks,

DT.

[beast5680]

if its leaking out of that hole then its leaking past the seal on the shaft  in the pump usually means the bearings are on their way out and its time for a new pump

[hairyasswelder]

Think you will find the pump is shot  :(
Usually leaks from this hole when the bearings are on the way out  :(

Sorry
Steve

[DoubleTop]

No need to be sorry guys, if it's gone then it's gone.  Just a shame that I never spotted it when I had the pump off, no grinding from the bearings at all and it all turns nice and smooth.  It makes sense that it's the seal in the pump that has gone.

Time to fill the water carrier and keep it in the boot, I need the car this week :(

DT.

[J.D.]

No need to be sorry guys, if it's gone then it's gone.  Just a shame that I never spotted it when I had the pump off, no grinding from the bearings at all and it all turns nice and smooth.  It makes sense that it's the seal in the pump that has gone.

Time to fill the water carrier and keep it in the boot, I need the car this week :(

DT.

Malc, if you are stuck for a water pump, I have at least one kicking around. Yours is a 3.9 isn't it?