That $15 water pump I bought off Amazon failed in 3 months

My car started overheating on the way to work last Tuesday. I had put that cheap pump on my 98 Civic back in January. It started leaking coolant from the weep hole and the bearings sounded like a blender full of rocks. Had to call my buddy to tow me home. Now I'm gonna bite the bullet and get a Gates pump from the local parts store instead. Anyone else learned this lesson the hard way on cheap car parts?

3 comments

3 Comments

hayden46629d ago

My buddy put one of those cheap pumps on his old Focus and it grenaded on the highway, dumped all the coolant and warped his head. He learned real quick that saving 40 bucks ain't worth it.

the_jamie29d ago

My 2002 Civic threw a rod last year after I put a $30 water pump from eBay on it. 60 miles later the bearing seized up and the belt snapped. I was lucky it just killed the engine instead of warping the head. My mechanic basically laughed at me and handed me a quote for a whole new motor. Now I just pay the extra cash for OEM stuff, my wallet already learned that lesson the hard way.

gibson.elizabeth29d ago

@hayden466 i bought a $20 alternator off ebay once and my car caught fire on the freeway so yeah i feel your pain lol