Alright I need some advice, but first let me preface this by saying that I do not know a lot about engines (I am learning slowly, but to date my knowledge is limited). Anyways, I have a 99 with 57,000 miles. While it was in the shop (for something else), I was told that my water pump is leaking...... Is this common? Usually you have to get a new water pump and timing belt closer to 90,000, correct? Also, I just had this car inspected at the Acura dealership (thanks to customer appreciation week), is this something that they could have/should have seen? The timing belt/water pump and linkages (with labor) will cost close to $600.......so, I would rather not do it if I don't have to, but on the other had it is necessary, I guess I have no choice. Any advice? Thanks a lot...

 

There is a weep hole on the water pump, and it is normal for it to weep very small amounts of liquid.

 

Yeah, but how can you tell if it's going bad??
Has to be more than a leak??

 

Keep an eye on the leakage rate. It's kinda normal for 'a little' to leak, but make sure the leak isn't growing. And keep a close watch on your coolant level & engine temperature.

Water pumps usually don't quit pumping water when they fail. Either they start leaking or they start making noise. So if you hang on for a while make sure you pay attention to noise.

Don't wait too long, because the pump's driven by the timing belt. You really don't want the pump to make it throw the timing belt. When you eventually get it done, get a new timing belt at the same time. I'm betting it'll be much sooner than 90k for you...