Hello. I am new to forum and have a 2007 saturn Vue v6 AWD
I am pretty sure my water pump is starting to chirp. When I first start it, I get a squeak for a few minutes, then it goes away. It has 201,000 miles on it and im thinking of replacing the timing belt while I'm in there.
Are there any idlers or other pulleys in there that can/should probably replace as well? How about the outside belt for a/c etc?
This thing runs absolutely beautiful! Plenty of power too.
I traded some carpentry work for it, (to later learn it went off road in the snow, resulting in the rear drive shaft being removed, and oil pan damaged.) (I got porked, but I'm into this thing now)
Any help appreciated. thanks in advance.

 

I don't know anything about the Vues or the V6 in them, however, I'd suggest you just remove the serpentine belt and start the engine briefly and see if you hear that chirp. If not, then it's most likely a bearing or one of the pulleys. Spin each pulley by hand that you can and see if you hear that chirping. Spin each one rapidly and then turn them slowly by hand. It MIGHT be the belt tensioner too. Be sure to check it too.

 

I believe that is still the j35 honda engine.
Start with what rube said, pull the drive belt off, and spin all the pulleys by hand to see and feel them.
If those all check out, I would do the timing belt and water pump together. Its probably due for a timing belt, anyway. And its a solid piece of mind. I am sure you can find a kit to do it all while you are in there.

 

took your advice and found the belt tensioner pulley was the culprit.
$19 bucks. I still want to do the timing belt because I know the sound of a water pump on the fritz, and I hear it. Was even more clear when i had the serp belt off.
Then I'll be good to go for a while...

 

Great to hear it was a cheap fix. Let us know how the timing belt job goes. Drop Dead might have some advice on how to go about doing that. Whaddaya say, Billy? Any tips for him on that?

 

Never got that far with my j35 vue. But tearing the blown engine down, didnt seem that bad.
Im certified with toyota, and almost with GM/Chrysler. Not looking to add honda under my belt anytime soon. Lmao