Water pump failure

[elib96]

Hello, first time posting. I am pulling out my hair at this point.
I was on the freeway when the truck's original water pump failed. Had to have it towed home so I could put in a new one. I put a Mopar wp in with a new belt and tensioner, and it failed immediately after starting to drive. Idled just fine, at least 30 minutes of idling time.
Ok, bad luck I thought. Warrantied it and tried again. Same thing. Both times, it failed in the exact same way. The pulley is loose, I can get maybe a half inch of play every direction.
I thought I did everything perfectly, my only thought is that I didn't bleed the system correctly, though I followed all the directions online. The pulleys all spin freely, but maybe one is binding at higher speeds?
Any ideas?

 

[rzr6-4]

Where are you getting your parts from? I had 1 aftermarket on my Sierra and 2 aftermarket pumps on my Ram all each fail within a year of their respective installations, Ram was fixed with an OEM replacement that I got from allmoparparts.com. My failed Sierra pump is still squealing along but hasn't leaked yet, I will go OEM when I have the motivation to fix it.

If you are ordering from amazon or ebay they could be counterfeit trash. I've more so heard about that with spark plugs and some other electrical components but pumps wouldn't surprise me.

 

[elib96]

I got it it from Amazon, but bought through the Mopar store there. I've heard the same, but would have expected a branded part from a major store would be safe.

 

[HemiLonestar]

I'd avoid Amazon parts....the wp pulley freespinning has happened to a couple of friends with 3.7 vehicles (same engine family). I would normally be the last person to say go through a dealer, but it might be worth it (unless that's where you got one of your Mopar pumps). Otherwise....I wonder if there is any good spot to pin it or maybe get a set screw in it.

 

[EdGs]

Ditto on avoiding Amazon parts.

Would you post a link to the pumps you used that failed?

 

[Sherman Bird]

I got it it from Amazon, but bought through the Mopar store there. I've heard the same, but would have expected a branded part from a major store would be safe.

Welcome to the world of deceit. Counterfeiting is RAMPANT on the interweb... and those thieves are crafty enough that people are ALWAYS searching for bargains and that said people are SO easy to fool with fake "OE" credentials.

Buy the water pump from O'Reilly's. They REALLY are good aftermarket alternatives for that water pump. How are you bleeding the air from the truck? What's your method?

 

[elib96]

Ditto on avoiding Amazon parts.

Would you post a link to the pumps you used that failed?

Amazon.com: Mopar 53022189AC Water Pump : Automotive

Buy Mopar 53022189AC Water Pump: Water Pumps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

a.co

Sorry for the delay, here's the Mopar pump I used most recently.
My initial attempt was with an ACDelco I bought from rockauto.

 

[elib96]

After further review of all associated parts, and plenty of cursing myself out, I think I figured out my issue. My fan has a slight wave in one of the blades and I think it's enough to throw off balance at higher RPMs, which is when they have been failing. I'm buying a new fan, clutch and water pump and will try again. Fingers crossed.

 

[Sherman Bird]

After further review of all associated parts, and plenty of cursing myself out, I think I figured out my issue. My fan has a slight wave in one of the blades and I think it's enough to throw off balance at higher RPMs, which is when they have been failing. I'm buying a new fan, clutch and water pump and will try again. Fingers crossed.

Back in the day (Early 1970's) some Fords were chucking fan blades. In a few cases, this occurred while someone was underhood doing service work. IIRC, there were a couple of fatalities.