What are some signs that a water pump is bad?

 

leaking..........

 

So if the car just overheats quickly and the water pump is not leaking, then most likely, the water pump is not bad, correct?

 

Sorry man, to be honest, I don't know........I was just being a smartass.

In my case, the water pump was actually leaking, so I knew it had to be replaced.

Free bump for you. I am sure that someone will be able to help you out!

 

does anyone know how often does the water pump needs to be replaced? I am going to have timing belt change soon, althought nothing wrong with it.. should i replace the water pump too?

 

Yes, you should change the timing belt and water pump at the same time. I think you are supposed to chage the timing belt and water pump by 90K, but mine had to be changed at about 60k.

 

You are right there anyway, if you are doing it yourself. If paying, you will save some labor charges if you do the water pump concurrently with timing belt, sooner or later it will need done. I would imagine if the water pump is going bad, your temps would climb, because the water is not circulating as it should