broken water pump? e70 x5m

[askjeeves]

Anyone ever have a water pump/pulley break?

My x5 developed a severe coolant leak. Looking at it today it looks like it’s leaking from the water pump and the pulley is askew.

I’ll replace the pump and thermostat while I’m at it. Just wondering if there is some cause besides the pump just failing from age. The car got a new belt in January, and I remember it being super tight. But iirc, the first time I changed the belt it was also super tight.

It’s a 2012 with about 125k miles, so due for a coolant system refresh anyway. Anything else I should replace while I’m at it?

[TTV8M]

Replace spark plugs

[askjeeves]

[QUOTE=TTV8M;30425340]Replace spark plugs

Thanks. Spark plugs are about due for a change again, along with all the fluids. Was wondering more related to the coolant system or parts on the front end.

Belts are fresh, and pulleys are fine. So will just do water pump, thermostat, and fresh coolant for now. 👍🏽

[askjeeves]

removed the old pump and thermostat tonight, and will put the new parts in tomorrow.

any thoughts on using silicon gasket on top of the factory o-ring/gasket? seen one video that does, and one video that doesn't. will try and check ista tomorrow.

[Colodano]

Nope, just use the factory gasket, and make sure your surface is cleaned up well before putting the new one on.

[askjeeves]

Originally Posted by Colodano

Nope, just use the factory gasket, and make sure your surface is cleaned up well before putting the new one on.

Thanks. Got it all done today, pending test drive. Relatively easy job as far as work on the s63 goes.