Water pumps in 4th Generation 4runners - durability

I own a 2005 4runner with 150,000 miles from new. I have the OEM WP still in there and working fine. I've read of failures at 50,000 miles and 80,000 miles, but generally over 100,000 miles on 4runner WPs before people start having problems - or change them because they are told by some internet mechanics that it should be done (and I think this advice is balcony).

I purchased an AISIN WP with the steel gasket as a backup but I don't believe in any WP maintenance unless there is a good reason.

I watch for coolant level in my overflow canister - and it's steady month to month. I'd say I pop the hood 3 to 4 times a week to check the level.

I'm also a temperature gauge driver - always watching it for an overheat. And, I always look for coolant leaks on the ground, as that's a sure sign of a problem.

How long do these 15-year-old WPs by Toyota last? Toyota gives no maintenance schedule for them, so I believe it is premature to change one that is working well.

Perhaps Toyota thinks their OEM WPs can go to 300,000 miles without failure? That would be 30 years old on my 4runner!

I've never had an overheat in my 4runner, and I've never had a WP last this long in any previous car or truck..

Fixing something that ain't broke seems dumb to me - especially with 4runner WPs made by AISIN.

I suppose I'll get a scolding from all the maintenance freaks and synthetic oil enthusiasts out there for posting this. But, it seems they are the ones always fixing and replacing parts on their 4runners that ain't broke, for WHAT?

JUST popped the hood to look at the plastic overfill canister. The level has to stay the same. Can't drop 1/4 of an inch. Mine been the same for months and months (probably years), but I check every week anyway!

 

I have 178k miles on my WP and it’s not showing any signs of needing replacement so I’d say stick with it till it needs to be replaced. Good luck with ur responses on here

 

At 100k it’s a good idea to swap it out. It could be in great condition, but it’s a great preventative maintenance measure. Especially since at 100k it’s recommended you replace the serpentine belt, might as well do that while you’re in there.
Preventive maintenance is key in having no bad days with your vehicle.


Long story short, at your mileage I’d make it a priority to avoid any possible failure on the road. I highly doubt anybody has ever gotten 300k/30yrs out of an OEM pump.

 

I agree with 06_dark_knight. If it ain't broke why fix it?

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I just got this info off the internet: How Long Should A Water Pump Last? The service life of most original equipment water pumps should be 100,000 miles or longer.

The OEM water pump in my 2005 4runner (150,000 miles) continues to work flawlessly. I have an AISIN backup for the day it leaks or I get an overheat. My 15 year old 4runner has never had an overheat. I'm afraid the wife will drive it home when it does - although I told her to shut it off immediately or you can surely ruin the engine.

"The OEM Aisin ones are known to go 200k without problems. Of course, the WP-to-block gasket tends to fail earlier than that."

"NOTE" when a mechanic was replacing my AC compressor 3 years ago, I handed him a new serpentine belt as he had the 12 year old OEM belt in his hand, but he handed the "new" one back and said the OEM was just fine and you don't need a new one.

 

What does Scotty Kilmer say???

 

Just depends on what you are using the truck for. I've changed for peace of mind, but also live in a hot climate, towing, etc. Made me more comfortable going more than 100 miles from home

 

rns0504

I never had a WP last so long (150,000). It's the OEM that came with the 4runner in 2005. When I was a kid cars needed WPs every 50,000 miles.

Thanks for your input.

I'm in the hot, hot, hot, Bahamas. All driving are short trips.

I'm going to keep the OEM until I get an overheat or "drips" on the garage floor.

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Customer with Corolla writes:
"My 87 Camry has nearly 400,000 kilometers with the original water pump"

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Replaced my oem with aisin at 200k. Could've gone longer when I compared the two, but I had never seen a wp last that long, so peace of mind for me. Last thing I want to deal with on the side of a mountain or in the middle of a desert hundreds of miles from home is a mechanical failure. That said, I am VERY surprised with the quality of oem parts for this vehicle, but I still feel like it was a good idea to change given mileage and application.

 

254k on the original.....(knocks on wood)

 

On my '04 sport I had a little over 200k when I got rid of it in 2015. It still had the original water pump and battery of all things. Can't say much for the XREAS and A/C though.

 

RonT/doxidad:
I'm pretty sure your OEM was an Aisin. Today Toyota owns about 25% of AISIN.
Even some US manufacturers use AISIN WPs.

Sometimes a failed WP will mean you can throw your engine (car) away.

I keep an eye on my 15 year old 4runner - looking for water on ground when I back out of the garage or from a parking spot after shopping.

I have a new one (AISIN) for backup when the OEM fails. 150,000 miles on the OEM. Never had an "overheat" or leak/drip.

I tell the wife if you get an overheat, don't drive it. Take a cab home.

I paid over $41,000 for my runner off a Bahamian new car dealer's lot when it was brand new. I live in Nassau Bahamas, and they (Bahamas customs) have 50% to 80% duties on the price of a car (they go by the invoice).

Toyota dealer pays the duty too - then it's built into the price I pay.

 

My 04 4Runner has 500K miles on it and runs like it’s brand new, no oil leaks. Starting to go through a little bit of water and I think it’s my factory water pump. My upper hose is warm, but my lower hose stays cold. So is that a sign my water pump is failing.

 

CEAllen04 That's a sign of your thermostat failing. Not opening and allowing the coolant to cycle

 

I'm a technician at a Toyota dealership and I don't believe in replacing a water pump unless it is leaking or making noise from internal bearing failure. If you do t see a leak or hear a noise from it I would say leave it alone.