QuestionI took my 1994 Gallant in to be repaired because the power steering and alternator belts were blown at the same time. They are telling me that the water pump needs to be replaced too, because that caused the belts to go. It just feels like an unrelated repair is being added on. Could the water pump really have caused this, or is it more likely that these 11 year old belts finally got too old.?
AnswerMark,
The pulleys on your water pump attach to your alternator and your crank pulley. Those, turn attach to your A/C and power steering pump. So if you replace one belt, they should all be replaced. It's possible the shaft in the water pump is not turning properly due to worn out bearings. If the shaft wabbles too much, that will put excess stress on your drive belts, and that will cause them to wear out and even snap.
Most manufacturers, including Mitsubishi, recommend you have your belts replaced at least every 60,000 miles. This inlcudes all your drive belts (power steering, A/C, alternator) and your timing belts (main timing belt and balance belt). If you've never replaced your belts, then its a good time to have all your belts replaced.
If your mechanic also has intentions of replacing your timing belt (which is a good idea if you've never had it replaced before), they will usually insist on replacing the water pump. Since your timing belt needs to be removed anyway to replace your water pump, and due to the fact that water pumps usually will need to be replaced at least once in a car's life, it's a good idea to have it replaced.
In my experience, it would be wise to have all the belts (power steering, alternator, A/C, timing belt, and balance belt) all replaced, along with a new water pump if none of those items have ever been replaced before. You may be looking at a bill of around $600, but you'll have piece of mind that your car could go another 5-10 years before you needs to do this again if you plan on keeping the car that long.
Good luck!
