Common Water Pump Problems For The Toyota Corolla

If you have a Toyota Corolla, odds are you’ll experience issues with the water pump at some point. Here’s a list of symptoms related to water pump failure on the Corolla, as well as some diagnostic tips, repair info, recommended parts, and background information.

Toyota Corolla Water Pump Failure Symptoms

toyota corolla
  • Low coolant tank
  • Coolant leak
  • Overheating engine
  • Engine noise
  • Serpentine belt wear

Water Pump Diagnosis And Repair Tips

The biggest indicator of water pump failure is coolant leaking from the shaft seal. This is usually an early sign of water pump failure. The shaft seal can leak from age, overheating, or even bearing failure. Noises coming from the water pump can also be an indicator of a problem. Water pump noise is caused by bearing wear or the impeller striking the housing after bearing failure. Water pump failure can also be caused by corrosion. The following conditions can be contributing factors to cooling system problems or water pump damage:

  • Using the wrong type of coolant
  • An incorrect ratio of the coolant and water mixture
  • Using tap water instead of distilled water in the coolant mixture
  • Cooling system restrictions or cavitation
  • Cooling system leaks
  • Loose drive belt or tensioner

It’s best to address water pump problems (or other cooling system issues) at the first sign of leakage or noise. Proper cooling system maintenance goes a long way toward water pump longevity.

Recommended Replacement Water Pumps

Listed below are the recommended replacement water pumps available for Toyota Corolla.

YearModelPart #
1998 – 2008Toyota Corolla L4 1.8L 1794cc170-1980
2009Toyota Corolla L4 1.8L 1794cc170-7480
2009 – 2019Toyota Corolla L4 1.8L 1798cc Exc. Eco  Package170-7480
2014 – 2022Toyota Corolla L4 1.8L 1798cc With Eco Package170-3050

Why Do Toyota Corollas Have Water Pump Problems?

The problems most car owners experience with Toyota Corolla water pumps are problems that are common to most water pumps in general. This can include coolant leaking at the shaft seal or noises caused by worn bearings. Most of the time, seal and bearing failures occur with age and high mileage. However, issues with the cooling system or the serpentine belt can cause premature failure. Performing scheduled maintenance on the cooling system is the best way to ensure long water pump life. Inspect the serpentine drive belt at each oil change. You can learn more about water pumps with our comprehensive water pump guide.

When it’s time for water pump replacement, GMB offers quality parts you can trust. We have been an industry-leading OEM and aftermarket automotive parts manufacturer since 1943 and have locations on both the east and west US coasts and global locations in Asia and Europe. If you have any questions about our products, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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