Thanks for the reply Dr Smith. what all are you replacing? I need to make sure I have everything at one time so my isnt carless.

If it ain't broke don't fix it! Once you start moving hoses around and disrupting things under the hood is when it all starts. The plastic fittings and O rings are a soar spot. If you do replace your water pump, when you remove it, be sure you don't pull the pipes under the intake out of the rear of the block or damage the O rings that seal them, If you do, you will be doing much more than a water pump change!

I'm replacing all hoses, water pump, thermostat and alternator.

Thanks Dr Smith. That is exactly what I am going to do. I do agree with the "If it aint broke" philosophy but knowing that the Alt's ALWAYS go around 100k there isnt enough of a safety margin for me to wait. My wife drives it daily with my 5 and 6 year olds and I really dont want them stranded. Thanks again everyone for all of the help!

I have almost 160km on the x 5 here, and it is the original alternator. No problems yet. The water pump did go at about 135km though.

I just replaced them both in about 4 hours. 6 cups of coffee and 2 beers and its done. Much much easier than I thought. Now I need to figure out how to replace the squeaky fan blower. I have a new one in the box but no idea how to get to it.....Thanks again for all the help!