Water Pump Failure after 10K miles

[Dan Fowler]

Originally Posted by euro96

Any help guys?

Can improper belt tension cause water pump bearing failure?

Not a mechanic but;
Is not the belt tension determined by a tensioner pulley?
Wouldn't 110k more likely be the cause?
I paid 1300 bucks for a new alternator at the dealer, including 1 door ding removal.

Good luck.

[euro96]

Originally Posted by Dan Fowler

Not a mechanic but;
Is not the belt tension determined by a tensioner pulley?
Wouldn't 110k more likely be the cause?
I paid 1300 bucks for a new alternator at the dealer, including 1 door ding removal.

Good luck.

I would still assume that you could screw up then tension though. The mechanic managed to leave the radiator completely loose as well, which I had to tighten down.

I know the mileage is high, but really, failure within hours of them messing with the belt system after the alternator repair?

I'm going to try and get the dealer to pay for the water pump, I'll let everyone know how it goes

[chilliwilli]

Originally Posted by euro96

I would still assume that you could screw up then tension though. The mechanic managed to leave the radiator completely loose as well, which I had to tighten down.

I know the mileage is high, but really, failure within hours of them messing with the belt system after the alternator repair?

I'm going to try and get the dealer to pay for the water pump, I'll let everyone know how it goes

I suggest you don't waste your time...it won't end well. It's perfectly normal for such a thing to happen, imo. I've definitely experienced it and learned that hard way that often times it's better to address a problem immediately as delaying will cause consequential damage to other components. There are other variables more likely to have caused the water pump failure than dealer negligence.

You've essentially received the same definitive answer that the dealer will give you...as a BMW certified tech (killcrap) just answered your question to improper belt tension causing water pump bearing failure.

My 2 tuppence...