I took my 2006 prius to be inspected. They did their multi-point inspection and told me my "drive belt??" needed to be changed because it was getting cracked and “worn." I agreed to have them do this. When I picked up the car, it made a loud noise every time the gas engine engaged. I returned it to the dealer and told them about the unacceptable loud noise. The car was returned to me and the note said they tightened the belt. But to my disappointment, the noise was even louder. Today I take it back for the third time. This time they tell me the water pump is "bad" and it needs to be replaced at a tune of $300. Did the improper belt tension cause the pump to be damaged? Or is this just a coincidence? HELP!
I took my 2006 prius to be inspected. They did their multi-point inspection and told me my "drive belt??" needed to be changed because it was getting cracked and “worn." I agreed to have them do this. When I picked up the car, it made a loud noise every time the gas engine engaged. I returned it to the dealer and told them about the unacceptable loud noise. The car was returned to me and the note said they tightened the belt. But to my disappointment, the noise was even louder. Today I take it back for the third time. This time they tell me the water pump is "bad" and it needs to be replaced at a tune of $300. Did the improper belt tension cause the pump to be damaged? Or is this just a coincidence? HELP!
I took my 2006 prius to be inspected. They did their multi-point inspection and told me my "drive belt??" needed to be changed because it was getting cracked and “worn." I agreed to have them do this. When I picked up the car, it made a loud noise every time the gas engine engaged. I returned it to the dealer and told them about the unacceptable loud noise. The car was returned to me and the note said they tightened the belt. But to my disappointment, the noise was even louder. Today I take it back for the third time. This time they tell me the water pump is "bad" and it needs to be replaced at a tune of $300. Did the improper belt tension cause the pump to be damaged? Or is this just a coincidence? HELP!
All your threads posted in various forums have been merged into this thread, which is now in the proper forum. Please don't post multiple posts about the same thing all over, Thanks.
The fact that it could be coincidence leaves you in a position where proving it wasn't, is near impossible. So if it was me? I'd hope it WAS coincidence. You now need a water pump. If you have lost faith in this service department, you could have the pump replaced elsewhere. Then at least you aren't having the people you think may of screwed up the installation of a drive belt...installing your water pump. It also may simply really be a coincidence.
An aftermarket water pump is about $4o and any competent workshop should be able to fit it. You would also need some Toyota SLLC (Toyota coolant). The hardest job is getting the air out of the system once the pump has been changed. John (Britprius)
I would question how they were able to change the serpentine belt and not notice that the water pump needed to be replaced at the same time.
