Not only that, but even if it only fails a little and drips out the weep hole to get your attention - to get the water pump off, you need to do ALL the work for the timing belt AGAIN for a waste of 1 to 4 hours depending how fast you are at this job.

 

Yeah, I agree. It is a minimal cost to do the pump while you're already in there. Highly recommend you just do it while you're right there.

 

Alright, you guys convinced me. I guess it's not like my old blazer where the water pump was easily accessed on the front of the engine just be taking the drive belt off. I'll just do it while I'm in there. Thanks guys!

 

Smart move

 

LOL water pumps USED to be a minor inconvenience to change. Back when there was room to sit beside the engine in your engine bay.