Best Water Pump????

[helpme]

I need to change my water pump again. The current one is not leaking but has noisy bearings. Its not quite 2 years old. I think the guy put a Chinese one in the last time. NAPA sells the Gates brand which I don't think is Chinese. Anybody have a better suggestion? Thanks.

 

[Bronco638]

When I changed mine, last Fall, I used a Bosch unit. I got it from Rock Auto. I can't guarantee that it will last any longer than anything else but I do know that most water pumps fail because of an un-balanced fan being attached to them. If you want your WP to last a while, consider an electric fan conversion.

 

[helpme]

Thanks. I can see a grease stain around the shaft. It only started rattling since it got cold.
I check the shaft play every day till I can get it fixed. And I'm only making short trips.

 

[exbass94]

The Napa pumps are also made in China. I had one that lasted a few weeks before leaking out the weep hole. I replaced it with a Motorcraft from Rockauto. It cost about 5 times more, but it was worth it to not have to replace it again.

 

[Rearanger]

I'll give a to RockAuto. They usually give you a number of parts choices with different prices. Service is great and prices good.

I believe a lot of Motorcraft parts are made in Mexico. Not necessarily a drawback (except for American workers) depending on the quality control and design parameters set by Motorcraft/Ford

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Just get the one with the lifetime warranty.

When I put my 302 in my Ranger I got a rebuilt one from Carquest, it leaked within 2 weeks. Took it out and transferred its value to a new one because it was a PITA to change and I didn't want to do it again. Haven't had to do a thing to it since in the past 2 years. If it does, I go down town and return it for another new one rather than dealing with someone on the internet.

 

[Rearanger]

rather than dealing with someone on the internet.

My long time experience with RockAuto is they are not just, "someone on the internet". Defective parts can be returned easily and they send prepaid shipping label. Service has always been great.

However you will wait longer of course than dealing with higher priced local brick & mortar due to shipping time.

 

[helpme]

I think Carquest is Chinese along with all the other parts that Advance sells. I was suspicious about the Gates unit at NAPA since it was roughly ($35) the same price as the Advance one.
Do you think the ones sold at the Ford dealership are made in China?

 

[bIIjr]

I work at Napa and can tell you it isn't chinese. You get what you pay for I'm learning this very fast. Napa is in a price war right now with the box stores aka Advance and auto zone. We have the corner on garages. We are after retail trying to hurt the business of the other stores. I have spent a lot of time in training this week and can tell you they take offering better parts seriously.

 

[Rearanger]

Over the years I have viewed NAPA as selling better quality. The problem is they brand everything as "NAPA" so you don't know who makes the parts. I don't think NAPA specs parts to be made to it's own quality??

I have also found that the higher priced part is the same as the lower price except you're paying more for a longer warranty.

The parts business is very confusing and you really have no idea who makes what/where. Many parts manufacturers own a number of brands that may have no difference except for name.

Don't forget in the retail trade there is something called, "Price Point". That is charging a higher price because buyers think the higher price is the better quality and holds more esteem, but really it's just a higher price.

 

[bIIjr]

This is true how ever I can tell you for a fact our water pumps are gates our seals bearings and hub units is skf who makes said items for ford oem. We do carry a line of import made parts but that's is what they are made for import cars. Shocks are monroe which I can't stand but that's beside the point

 

[bIIjr]

If you wanna see a difference look at a skf hub unit and compare it to another stores huge difference. Not trying to start a pissing match I worked in the shops as well as advance a few years ago and now napa all I'm saying is big difference. Do we have defects yup they all do but over all you get what you pay for

 

[helpme]

Thanks all!
I'm going to go with the Gates from NAPA. Never had any trouble with NAPA in the past.
And yeah, I know you get what you pay for.