2550 water pump, repair or replace

[MJMJ]

Water pump bearing went out this past weekend, taking my brand new radiator with it. My garage isn't too sophisticated, I have a press but not a good one. Is rebuilding worth the time, or would I be better off just buying a replacement? Rebuild kit is $50, replacement is between $125 and $200, depending on OEM or aftermarket. I don't mind doing the work, but if it's something that may take more precision than I can provide, I don't want it failing on me in a couple weeks.

 

[JD Dave]

Well you should have been checking your water pump on a 40 year-old tractor for a loose bearing. If the fan rocks it's going to fly apart sometime soon! It's not that difficult to rebuild the old
pump in-house. We don't know what your capabilities are but it does not take a heavy press to do it, - just some following of instructions and precision. Your own repair may be even better than
spending 3X as much on an aftermarket pump.

 

[MJMJ]

Obviously I checked when I had it apart, had there been any movement I would have fixed it then. Tearing this thing apart and replacing the radiator twice in a month wasnt high on my list of things to do in the middle of hay season.

 

[lfnel]

Not having an adequate press, a few years back I took the original cast iron water pump off a red tractor to NAPA and they put in new seals & bearings as needed for about the same
price as my buying a Chinese alloy replacement. I kept the tractor original.

 

[MJMJ]

That's a good thought. It's become clear my little press isn't going to budge it. I may take it to a buddies place with a larger press and some tools I don't have. If we don't have luck with it I may do just what you did. Thanks

 

[buickanddeere]

Coolant pump pulley and alternator pulleys will both be worn out . Which is why the belt was too tight to prevent slippage . Resulting in failed bearings .
Crank pulley could also be in rough condition .