I am the original owner of a 2002 Lexus ES300 with 108,000 miles. I changed the timing belt at 52,000 miles but not the water pump. How long can I expect this original water pump to last? Or should I wait for it to start leaking and then change the belt and pump? The car runs perfectly fine otherwise and still has all the original hoses too. Any suggestions appreciated.
Thank you.
How long can I expect this original water pump to last?
There's no way to tell. It could last for years or go bad on you today.
Or should I wait for it to start leaking and then change the belt and pump?
It looks like that's not an interference engine so if the pump seizes up and snaps the timing belt it will not destroy the engine. Still, that would leave you stranded, potentially in a bad situation, so you might want to change it out sooner rather than later.
The car runs perfectly fine otherwise and still has all the original hoses too.
Time to start thinking about checking and replacing 22-year-old hoses as well.
Thanks!
