A properly operating water pump ensures a car does not overheat which, in turn, prevents major damage to the engine. Not everyone may realize that a faulty water pump could also affect the transmission. Taking preventive maintenance steps to avoid water pump and burnt fluid problems could reduce serious damage to the transmission system.
Curtail the Overheating the Transmission Fluid
Once the water pump starts to fail, the engine starts to run hot. This heat emanates throughout the vehicle and creates a dire ripple effect. For one, the transmission fluid could increase significantly in temperature. Once the fluid is burnt, then it could harm the transmission.
Once the fluid is burnt, it can no longer lubricate the transmission gears effectively. The most obvious sign of burnt transmission fluid is when the color has turned from reddish-pink or reddish-brown to black. The fluid will also give off a very obvious burning smell.
At this point, the fluid is not the only problem. Any transmission that has been exposed to burnt fluid probably has other major problems. Making sure the water pump is always working properly helps you avoid serious mishaps such as these.
Be Alert to Water Pump Troubles
When your car overheats to the point steam comes out, a broken water pump is one likely cause. Rather than find out the water pump was at fault after the engine overheats, look for the two obvious signs of trouble:
- Water collecting on the ground from a leak
- Noise coming from the water pump belt
At the first indication of any leaks or noises under the hood, take the vehicle to a garage and have car checked out. If it does turn out you need the water pump replaced, you may wish to take an extra step not everyone does after the replacement. Change the transmission fluid.
Flush Out the Transmission Fluid
Even if the fluid is not totally black, you may wish to flush out the transmission fluid after replacing the water pump. The excess heat resulting from an inefficient water pump could have damaged the integrity of the fluid. Even if the fluid is not definitively burnt, play it safe and have the fluid replaced.
Better still, request a mechanic at the transmission shop perform at least a cursory inspection. This way, any problems with the system can be uncovered and fixed before the damage becomes more extensive and the repairs more costly.
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