Nissan Repair: Replace 2003 Nissan Xterra water pump, nissan xterra, coffee creamer

Question
Von - My daughter is in college in Oregon (I'm in Texas).  A mechanic has told her the water pump is leaking on her 2003 Nissan Xterra 6-cyl.  What risk is she running continuing to drive it, and what would be customary parts & labor to replace the water pump?  What other service (she has roughly 128k miles on it) would you recommend if doing the water pump?  Finally, we purchased a warranty on this vehicle when we bought it from the dealership last summer - it's in the glove box, so I can't quote the details, but if the warranty is just "drivetrain" (not comprehensive), wouldn't the water pump be covered?
Thanks

Answer
Dan,

Get the waterpump replaced as soon as possible.  Do not drive the car.  The waterpump is inside the timing cover and if it is leaking the water is getting in the oil.  If the antifreeze gets to the oil pickup and you pull it across the engine bearings you will damage the engine.  Waterpumps just fail whenever they want.  Some last to 200K miles and some fail much sooner.  If the drivetrain warranty covers the engine the waterpump should be covered.  Check with the warranty people.  But, you have to get it corrected if it is indeed leaking.  Have her pull the dipstick on the engine and see if the oil looks like coffee creamer.  If it does the water has gotten in the oil and it has to be repaired now!