TSBs

That Mazda Water Pump Might Be Just Fine

April 15, 2022

There is a concern that some Mazda water pumps are being replaced that are not faulty due to signs of a very small coolant leak from the bleed hole.

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

Mike Mavrigian

Mazda notes that some water pumps are being replaced needlessly on models including 2020 CX-30, 2016-2020 CX-3, 2013-2020 CX-5, 2007-2012 CX-7, 2016-2020 CX-9, 2004-2005 Miata, 2006-2020 MX-5, 2004-2020 Mazda3, 2006-2015 Mazda5 and 2003-2020 Mazda6 vehicles. There is a concern that some water pumps are being replaced that are not faulty due to signs of a very small coolant leak from the bleed hole.

A mechanical seal is used for the water pump. This seal can seal coolant by sliding a mating ring against a seal ring. When the sliding surface temperature of the seal is more than 248 degrees Fahrenheit, a small amount of steam is leaked and bleeds through the bleed hole. After drying, the steam leaves a green coolant deposit near the bleed hole. This is a normal condition.

A small amount of green coolant deposit near the bleed hole is normal.

The water pump should only be replaced is there is an accumulation of crystallized coolant near the bleed hole.

About the Author

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.

About the Author

Mike Mavrigian | Motor Age Editor

Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.