Cherokee conundrum

DC HORTON

MEMBER
JEEP CHEROKEE

1999 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 87,000. This weekend I had the A/C flushed at a local Firestone shop. When I went in to pick it up, they informed me that they thought there was something wrong with the water pump. They said it was leaking and wanted to do me a 'favor' by running a diagnostic for $35. I declined as there had not been any leaking before other than normal condensation. Well, when I got it home, sure enough there was a puddle under the water pump in addition to the normal condensation puddle. I popped the hood and smelled what I thought was burning antifreeze. The new puddle did not appear to have any color like antifreeze but took about 18 hours to evaporate. I have a few questions concerning this: 1) Is it possible that they (Firestone) did something, accidently or not to the water pump when flushing the freon? Should they have been anywhere near the water pump? 2) If there is a problem with the water pump would there be anything in addition to the leak, such as a grinding noise to help indicated that there is indeed a problem? 3) Is it possible that what I am seeing/smelling is actually some excess freon and not antifreeze? Wouldn't it evaporate more quickly?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

1 Reply

DPWD23

MECHANIC
136 POSTS

Sometimes water pumps leak from the "weep hole" (the small hole facing up on the water pump, behind the pully) between the berings before they go. That is a sign that the seals are worn out. The berings and worse failure is next. Many times they go suddenly with little or no warning.
Since water pumps are considered a consumable item (they usually go before the engine does) it would be a good idea to either have the place u trust check it out, or find a local garage that will check it out cheaper.
Remember that for repairs over something like $50 they are required to provide a written estimate and get your signature authorizing repairs. If u aren't comfortable paying the price they are asking, shop around for a better price.