What a leaking water pump looks like?

[rokmeamadeus]

Hi everyone,

Probably one of my first posts here. I took my 08 hatch in for an oil service yesterday, and was told my water pump is starting to leak. I looked up some threads here and saw mentions of pink stains and streaks across the hood, so I popped mine open to have a look.

Is this (attached photo) what a leaky pump looks like? Just trying to make sure it is what they say it is. The white residue doesn't look like it wants to come off when you rub it - kinda like salt precipitate after you boil water off (which is what it probably is).

Appreciate your comments!

http://s7.postimg.org/6okm38h8r/IMG_20150826_185739236_HDR.jpg

[shepd]

Coolant will turn generally leave a white stain once all the water in it has evaporated. That looks pretty much exactly like what I'd expect from a failing water pump.

[CoryM]

That would most likely be coolant dripping on your belt, then getting flung on your hood. So yeah, probably time for a water pump ;)
Cheers.

[rokmeamadeus]

Thanks (and sorry about the repost)!

[Ben_]

I'm told these go out fairly often. When do they usually start leaking? My car is at 66k and its due for coolant since its 5 years old

[CoryM]

Typically what happens is the drive belt gets replaced and is over-tightened. This puts more load on the water pump than it likes, and it starts to leak. The OE belts crack pretty early.