A water pump performs one extremely vital function that ensures your car’s engine works as smooth as possible. The water pump is a vital part of a vehicle’s cooling system, providing a constant stream of coolant to the powertrain. The continuous flow of liquid does not allow the engine to overheat. In other words, if the water pump fails, so does the engine, and that’s what you don’t want.

It helps to learn more about the water pump as a part of the car’s cooling system. If it fails or if there is an issue, you should have a basic idea about all its components and which one to replace.

 

Main water pump components

 

A water pump has several small parts that join together to make one working machine. Its most basic components include the hub/pulley, bearing, body/house, seal, and impeller.

 

1. The Hub or Pulley

 

A water pump’s pulley is designed to transfer the drive belt’s movement into the bearing spindle. The pulley receives the engine traction and acts as a medium between the two, mediating the amount of torque that goes through.

Since the pulley experiences a lot of pressure and force from the drive belt, it has to be made of strong materials. The pulley is usually made of steel, cast iron, or sheet metal. The idea is to produce a strong pulley that is lightweight and durable.

 

2. Spindle bearing

 

This is one of the most important water pump components and comes next in line after the pulley. It receives the turning force from the pulley and transfers it to the next component in line, which is the impeller. The bearing’s design and build quality is the sole factor behind the water pump’s lifespan. The bearing is a set of metal balls that turn and twist to do their job.

There are two types of bearings: roller-ball and ball-ball. The roller ball design allows for more durability and smoother function compared with the other. Therefore, most water pumps have a roller-ball design.

 

Keep reading: Top 5 mistakes to avoid when installing the water pump

 

3. Body

 

The body is the basic structure of the water pump that holds the liquid and where all the transferring takes place. The other components stick to the body to create the water pump that you see with your eyes. Hence, the water pump’s body has to be made of immensely strong materials that can withstand the water pressure produced inside. 

Water pump bodies are mostly made of lightweight aluminum, but some are built using cast iron. On one end, the body is connected to the pulley, and on the other, it is joined with the car’s cooling system.

 

4. Seal

 

Since the bearing is made of metal balls, the risk of corrosion is high. As such, the component needs to be protected from any exposure to liquid. The seal is put in place to protect the bearing from any contamination and to shut the pump tight. If there is any leak, the water pump will not produce sufficient pressure, resulting in failure. Hence, the seal plays an important role in keeping the water pump intact.

Dolz uses the most modern dynamic seals in the market, which ensures long water pump life when it is used with appropriate quality liquid.

 

5. Impeller 

 

The impeller is a rotor that is used to increase the pressure and flow of liquid inside a water pump. In other words, the impeller is the heart of a water pump, and without it, the entire system can fail. It catches the liquid in its fins and increases its flow by turning. The torque is derived from the pulley and bearings. The effectiveness of a water pump is determined by the impeller’s specifications.

You need to keep in mind its diameter and the number of fins it has. Both these parts decide the amount of pressure produced by the pump. Impellers are crafted using plastic, metal or cast iron.

 

 

How to know a water pump is failing?

 

There are a few factors that can point towards water pump failure in a vehicle:

• leaking coolant
• overheating engine
• smoke from the radiator

If you experience any of the above, chances are that the water pump has failed or is nearing failure. If such a thing happens, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic and get the water pump checked for faults. 

 

Dolz, your trusted water pump supplier

 

DOLZ is a giant in the water pump industry serving customers with more than 80 years of experience. The company has successfully fought off its competition, over the years, by making some of the most reliable and durable water pumps. Dolz water pumps are ISO 9001 certified, meaning there is never any compromise on quality or providing customer satisfaction. Dolz makes a wide range of water pumps for both cars and trucks. We have something for everybody.  

Industrias Dolz continues to expand its range, consolidating its position as a leader in the Aftermarket, with the launch of its new electric, variable and auxiliary water pumps.

Dolz has just launched 14 new auxiliary pump references, which are now available on the market. All of them are electric and their function is to cool the passenger compartment. We work together?

 

Timing belts are one of the most important moving parts in your engine that helps the vehicle engine run smoothly by connecting the camshaft and crankshaft. Therefore, the timing belt components  have the same importance. The crankshaft assists the pistons in moving up and down. Meanwhile, the camshaft is a rotating shaft that helps with the correct timing of the valves inside the engine to open and close.

They drive, among other things, a water pump, a generator and a power-assisted steering pump. If any of these components stop working, your vehicle can face serious, costly problems, from loss of engine coolant to engine seizure. But luckily, hoses and belts are relatively easy to understand and maintain – if you know what to look for.

 

How does the timing belt break?

 

The timing belt and timing chains break more often because of a lack of understanding and maintenance. The timing belt is made of rubber, when the engine is very hot, it naturally degrades the strength and texture of the belt, resulting in the belt breaking. Therefore, the timing belt should be changed or replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Another cause of the breakdown of the time belt component is a seizure of the water pump, which is caused by insufficient maintenance of the cooling system. When the water pump gets stuck, the gears stop instantly, which automatically causes the belt to break.

 

 

Main timing belt system components

 

The timing belt can cause serious problems and become more expensive if not replaced. If the timing belt breaks, the vehicle will have to be towed and can cost a lot of money. In addition, valves can bend and destroy the engine, which could lead to replacement. For proper maintenance, you need to understand the components of the timing belt kit. The main components of the timing system are:

 

Timing Belt

 

A timing belt, which is also known as a timing chain or cambelt, is a toothed belt which keeps the top half of the engine (the cylinder head and valves) aligned and synchronised with the crankshaft and pistons in the bottom of the engine. This then allows the values and pistons to move in harmony with each other.

Finf more about our timing belt kits.

 

Camshaft pulley

 

A cam pulley is part of the engine’s timing system used to control the speed of the camshaft, the timing belt component that controls the poppet valves responsible for the exhaust and intake of air in the cylinders. The cam pulley is pivotally connected to the timing chain to rotate the camshaft in sync with the crankshaft. This vehicle component is usually checked during a timing belt replacement to determine if it needs replacement or repair and can be replaced in high-performance vehicles that experience significant engine wear.

 

 

Keep reading: The fundamental role of the crank sprocket in the timing chain

 

 

Idler

 

The timing belt idler is a pulley that helps to set the timing belt in the correct position. Depending on the length and size of the engine and timing chain, there may be one or more idle pulleys in the timing belt kit. The position of the driven belt pulleys usually requires the timing belt to be guided using idler pulleys. It is used to increase the contact arc to ensure that as many teeth as possible are engaged if the high power output is to be transmitted. The idler function is to stabilize areas of the drive that tend to create unwanted vibrations.

 

Tensioning pulley

 

Depending on the design, tensioners can use hydraulic pressure and/or spring tension to properly tension the system. Various tensioning pulleys are used to create tension on the timing belt and keep it smooth as possible. They are installed from the sagging side.

• Prolonged tension changes are caused by wear and tear on the timing belt kit.
• Short-term voltage changes occur, for example, as a result of load and temperature differences.

 

 

Recommended reading: Tensioner Pulley: what is it and what it is used for?

 

 

Crankshaft pulley

 

A crankshaft pulley, also known as a crankshaft sheave or harmonic balance wheel, is a grooved wheel-shaped gadget that connects directly to the crankshaft of a vehicle. The crankshaft pulley essentially converts the linear or direct motion of the pistons into rotary motion. The crankshaft pulley is usually connected to other vehicle components using an accessory belt. The crankshaft pulley drives the crankshaft components. Crankshafts are responsible for driving the wheels of the car. Crankshaft pulleys transmit torque and mechanical power or propulsion through the pulley system to additional vehicle components like the power steering pump and alternator.

 

Water pump

 

Due to the high temperatures occurring in the I.C. the engine must be dispersed to prevent damage from overheating (defective cylinder head gasket, cracked cylinder head). Liquid cooling is the preferred method in the automotive industry. The thermally loaded sections of the cylinder head and block contain channels or cooling jackets through which the coolant flows. This transfers the generated heat to the radiator, which releases it into the atmosphere. The water pump helps the coolant around the circuit, which ensures that excess heat is constantly removed.

 

Maintenance and replacement of a timing belt

 

It is very important for your vehicle to replace the timing belt at the mileage intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The recommended interval for timing belt replacement of your specific vehicle can be found in your vehicle’s manual.

Since the timing belts are made of rubber, they will wear out over time and eventually break. When it breaks down, the engine breaks down, components will be out of sync, and the engine will stop running. Failure to replace the timing belt or timing chain at the recommended time can result in engine failure, piston and cylinder wall damage, cylinder head or camshaft damage, and valve breakage or bending. This is not a situation in which you can confidently think, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” Change the timing belt according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule so you don’t waste your money on engine repairs or replacements.

 

Some warning signs that show it’s time to replace the timing belt

 

Often there are no timing belt warning signs before it breaks. But here are some possible indicators that it’s time to replace the timing belt:

• Overheat
• Vibration or shaking
• Reduced engine power
• Oil and coolant leakage
• Problems with starting the car
• Squealing or rubbing belts
• Check engine light
• Ticking noise coming from the engine

 

While your vehicle is being repaired, DOLZ recommends replacing the water pump as well. The water pump usually has the same lifespan and is easy to access when the timing belt is removed. This way, you save your time and money on labor costs.

Our customers can count on us to provide high-quality belts at competitive prices that meet and exceed customer expectations. We pride ourselves on having a variety of quality industrial timing belts kits in stock. The range of DOLZ distribution kits has been expanded by more than 100 PN’s and covers more than 90% of the European vehicle fleet. Each kit has everything you need for assembly: a pump with a gasket, if necessary, bearings, a timing belt, and screws. For best timing belt solutions, contact us today.