hey guys over the past month, nearly everytime i start the car i hear a grinding noize, but after i let the car warm up a little it goes away

lately the same noize has been happening but more often. at first i thought it was my oil pump but the oil pressure light doesnt ever flick or come on, i had a listen to the valve cover and grinding doesnt seem to be coming from there.

i had a closer listen and it seems the noize is coming from the front of the engine, so is it maybe my water pump is due for replacement? or is it something more serious?

is there any way to check the water pump bearings?

any help will be greatly apppreciatied

take the belt off and wiggle the pump pully, there should be no play. but, you would probably be leaking coolant if it were the waterpump.

You also may want to check the crankshaft damper. A couple of years ago I had what I thought was a water pump problem but what had actually happened is that the centre bolt on the damper came out. But I think it's probably your water pump. Also, if you followed the threads on the alternator, you might want to see if your mounting bushings are okay.

You also may want to check the crankshaft damper. A couple of years ago I had what I thought was a water pump problem but what had actually happened is that the centre bolt on the damper came out. But I think it's probably your water pump. Also, if you followed the threads on the alternator, you might want to see if your mounting bushings are okay.

+1 on the alt bushing. If the alt is sitting a bit crooked it can make a funny sound. Also, could it be your starter making that sound upon initial crank?

You also may want to check the crankshaft damper. A couple of years ago I had what I thought was a water pump problem but what had actually happened is that the centre bolt on the damper came out. But I think it's probably your water pump. Also, if you followed the threads on the alternator, you might want to see if your mounting bushings are okay.

+1 on the alt bushing. If the alt is sitting a bit crooked it can make a funny sound. Also, could it be your starter making that sound upon initial crank?

i changed the dampener not too long ago and the rubber bushes for the alternator is still good as i had them replaced when i did the engine a year ago.

im taking my car to my mechanic to get his opinion, i think it is the water pump

i was gonna say maybe the starter is sticking a little also but i'd start with the easy stuff and work my way to the money parts

lol found out the big bolt within the dampener worked its way loose....... i thought those things were a PITA to get off? anyways i did the best i could to tighten it (levereaged it with a long arse pole)

Yeah, my bolt fell out when I was driving down the road, with the clunk, kerchunk, ching, ching all the way down the chassis. Then I started to overheat (obviously).

That bolt is not cheap, I think the stealer wanted $40-$50 for it. Picked one up at the wrecker. You might want to make sure you have some Loctite on it.

Yeah, my bolt fell out when I was driving down the road, with the clunk, kerchunk, ching, ching all the way down the chassis. Then I started to overheat (obviously).

That bolt is not cheap, I think the stealer wanted $40-$50 for it. Picked one up at the wrecker. You might want to make sure you have some Loctite on it.

well if i hear the noize again ill know what to do. thanks for the help man