Product PULSE 09 (Oct-Dec 2023)

16 AROUND THE ENGINE

Belt drive water pumps

Product groups: 201

When a customer is changing a timing belt, it’s standard practice these days to change the water pump at the same time if it’s driven by the timing belt. After all, it’s basically just another bearing- based component in the timing drive system, just like the tensioner and idlers - so why wouldn’t you? Remind the customer that if the pump fails, then the chances are that the belt drive will be compromised, resulting in a potentially time-consuming and extremely costly engine failure.

Did you know… As the water pump is driven by the timing belt, it is referred to as a ‘parasitic’ drive component, because it derives power from the timing drive system by nature of its engagement with the belt. By powering the Water Pump using the Timing Belt drive system, engine designers can save space, making for a shorter, more compact engine unit.

INA is extremely careful to select the very best OE manufacturers to produce its water pump range. By ensuring the highest Schaeffler-approved quality standards and offering the same warranty for both the original Timing Belt KITs and our Timing Belt KIT+ (including Water Pump) range.

These same principles apply to the Front End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD) system in applications which feature an Auxiliary Belt driven Water Pump, when best practice would be to replace the pump at the same time as the FEAD belt. For absolute peace of mind, the entire FEAD belt drive system needs to be examined, as it’s not just the belt that is subject to wear, but also the OAP or OAD (Overrunning Alternator Pulley or Decoupler) where fitted, all of the tensioner and idler pulleys, and the TVD (Torsional vibration damper). All of these components are integral to the healthy running of the engine and safety critical FEAD system.