$1,000 Water pump? On a Chevy Equinox? CAR WIZARD show how much this repair is like working on a BMW

[@joeh470]

Some folks wanna diss Wizard for charging $1k for the job in sub comments. Look, the man invests money in tools knowledge and other overhead costs. If you dont like what he charges, dont watch. The man does honest work, and gives honest prices. If you dont think so talk to the man dont be a punk and comment under others to hide your comment. Be a grown up and stand on your own .

[@CarWizard]

Dont like the charge. Go somewhere else. Dont call me when the cheaper shop breaks your car.

[@vitamulten1395]

I wanna diss Wizard for charging 1000 for job. I woulda charged a lot more than that.

[@matt9c1]

I agree. Good techs like Wizard, Eric O and Ivan deserve every penny they charge.

[@alanhassall]

It is GM’s fault for such a stupid design. The Wizard ends up having to deal with it when it breaks. In a way, it makes me miss timing belts. I had an old Ford Escort where the water pump was driven off the timing belt. The water pump was replaced when the timing belt was replaced. Most of the labor was already done. One time the dealer didn’t replace the water pump with the belt. I was in college at the time and my dad was paying for it. Boy was he mad that it wasn’t changed at the same time because there was very little chance that the water pump was going to last 120k.

[@neilmurphy845]

@@matt9c1 Ow yah definitely in fact I'd give them a 10r or 20 extra there that good.

[@mikemullay5622]

Some years ago we almost bought a GMC Terrain. We were warned off of it's purchase by a trusted mechanic. I am glad we listened to him.

[@MrHadwiger]

Just depends on the vehicle every brand has lemons.. My wife has drove our terrain for 5 years no issues 80k~ miles EDIT I did replace purge valve solenoid once 20$ did it myself in 30 min in 0 degree weather!

[@rosscoeradio3741]

@@MrHadwiger 80k isn’t anything amazing. The 100k to 200k is the real test. If she hits 250-300k then that was a good car. Or if she ever sacrifices some or all of herself in accident to keep your family safe.

[@1337penguinman]

10-20 years ago Chevys were great cars. Now they're junk. Just buy a Toyota or a Honda.

[@richbahr5185]

194K on my 2010 Equinox AWD with the 2.4. Bought it new and I can’t remember any major issues. Wiper linkage had to be replaced 2x is all that comes to mind.

[@scott8919]

@@1337penguinman I call bullshit on that too. Everything Chevy made in the 2000s wouldn't look out of place rotting in a trailer park. Should have gone straight to the crusher from the factory and saved people time, money and headache. Honda & Toyota you're right though.

[@shanevaughan6980]

Next on Hovies Garage: "I bought the cheapest Equinox in the USA and it needs a water pump"

[@lordjaashin]

thanks planned obsolescence that we can get such cheap used suv lol

[@bigpjohnson]

I think the older ones came with the 3400 V6. The 2800/3100/3400/3500 engines have the world's easiest water pump to replace! Right at the top near the radiator, loosen belt, remove pulley bolts, remove water pump bolts, and its out.

[@shanevaughan6980]

bigpjohnson we have a 3900 impala and there fairly decent to replace the water pump to

[@joecostantino3684]

I used to own a 95 Saturn SL1, hardest part about changing the water pump on it was getting the pully off because of the clearence between the frame and the pully bolts. Had to jack up the engine to be able to get them out, other then that fairly straight forward process.. Guess I couldn't complain though compared to this nightmare here.

[@FixItYerself]

someone needs to design an LS swap kit for these junk Chevys

[@GnBst]

I'm absolutely stunned by the level of "engineering" going on in vehicles and engines these days. Not long ago i did both water pump and thermostat on a Jeep 4.0 and a Ford 4.9 (both with mechanical fan) in about 3 hours combined for CAD $73 in parts. no special tools, no extra part removal required, no BS, no problems. The automotive industry is a complete race to the bottom these days. I can understand why this is a thousand dollar job, you gotta turn yourself into a pretzel to get in there.

[@richardbambenek2601]

I can reengineering is the culprit for high repair cost Why can't they just KISS (keep it simple stupid)

[@DanielJaegerFilms]

It’s actually the balance shaft chain that drives the water pump. There are two chains behind the front cover, the timing chain and the balance shaft chain. But you still need the special tool to hold the sprocket and keep the balance shaft in time, as well as prevent the tensioner from ratcheting out. Those 2.4 engines are absolute garbage. Engine timing components fail just as often if not more than the V6, the cylinders become oval shaped causing the engine to burn oil, and yes, the water pump location is ridiculous.

[@SGcomputing]

I swear more of these burn oil than don’t, most the time you can see the oil smoke when they start from a stop.

[@UBBERTANKER]

Sounds like alot of gravy to me

[@noorthdakootaland5261]

GM had to release a special coverage for the 2.4 Equinox to replace pistons and rings because of the oil consumption issues. A lot of them only had 50k miles before they would use 1 quart in 1000 miles.

[@wingatemose1182]

I swore off most all GM products except those that have long time durability like the old 3800 series engines and the 4.3 liter V 6 engines are semi dependable. Would never buy a new GM vehicle ever.

[@markm0000]

Great time to be a mechanic that’s for sure.

[@paulparoma]

Finally, GM has caught up to BMW, as they've always wanted! What a great American success story!

[@M4rt_FX]

Wizard owns the most unreliable SUV brand on the market, as proven time and time again by the statistics. Land / Range Rover. He uses BMW as to not make himself look the fool he is.

[@paulparoma]

@@M4rt_FX At least he can fix the stupid things himself.

[@SDZKProductions]

@@M4rt_FX it actually has a Ford engine in it and He also knows how to work on his car

[@M4rt_FX]

@@SDZKProductions You’ve missed the point. It’s not about his car, it’s about his opinion on the brands. In labelling BMW has THE brand as the unreliable / expensive default comparison. Land / Range Rover are worse, the statistics confirm it year after year, end of story.

[@M4rt_FX]

@@paulparoma Irrelevant to my point. It’s his opinion on relating to a particular brand when referencing reliability. I couldn’t care less if he can fix his own car or not, I’m sure he can.

[@aarond23]

Planned obsolescence....they want you back in the dealership to spend $2k for a water pump. OR why not just talk to the salesman about trading it in for a new one?

[@dragoonTT]

Add another $20k to your never ending vehicle debt lmao

[@CarlyG18]

When you find out how much they will give you for the trade in, You'll be heading to the nearest Toyota dealer. and try to sell the Chevy on your own.

[@mtfan]

“Your trade-in has a bad water pump, so we will only be able to give you $3k below book value for it.” That’s why.

[@JDMHaze]

EXACTLY

[@digitalrailroader]

@@mtfan that’s why when I get my next car, I won’t be using my current car as a trade in; because it’s pretty much only worth scrap value.

[@OOICU812]

At this point in my life, I've come to realize that an honest mechanic is worth what he charges.

[@rickjohansson4257]

I moved and went to a local one and asked for maintenance and he told me to get lost- I didnt need it yet come back in 30k miles. I was over the moon.

[@gregeoryl]

I am not poor by any means but do my own work because of the mechanics that have screwed up my vehicles. I would love to find a good mechanic and pay what they are worth.

[@williscurry6557]

@@gregeoryl Mechanics also pick & choose which customers vehicle they'll follow the maint. schedule to a T. Other ppl like welfare queens, poor ppl, etc they'll spot serious problems & not say anything & let those customers vehicles have catastrophic failures. Or outright break all sorts of lines, hoses, sensors etc to drive up reassembly costs.

[@Theywaswrong]

Sucker.

[@TheTussman]

Wizard is one of those people you've never met and don't know, but oozes "good dude" through his genuine content.

[@michaelpye5136]

He seems like a supportive boss too.

[@aaronhoward7593]

you can tell hes a square feller

[@brettstevens9677]

I'd like to see him do some work..other than talk about doing it or have done it already. Getting like Scotty Kilmer!! :-)

[@TSL73]

@@brettstevens9677 In one video he says he does a lot of work off camera. The wizard is a legit mechanic.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Never done a water pump on an equinox for a no heat complaint but have done plenty of heater cores 😉

[@ForkLiftCertified]

“Welcome back viewers to the South Main Auto channel, we have here a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox with the big 2.4”

[@chicanobluesaz4191]

Those suck balls to do. I've only done 2 I believe. Well, 1 was a heater core and the other an evaporator. We don't see a lot of those failures here in AZ

[@jonhagan7378]

Hahaha. I have an 06 equinox w/ the 3.4 and the pump is simple but that heater core gives me nightmares

[@ricktotz4078]

Chevys are junk

[@austincochran1032]

Exactly what I was thinking!

[@tomservo5347]

I used to be a Chevy guy because they built a brand that used to be 'mechanic friendly'. I went Japanese without any regrets.

[@chicanobluesaz4191]

@@HermannTheGreat I disagree somewhat. After working on them for over 20 years, I know for fact in regards to interiors that there are much much worse out there. Let's be fair here

[@tomservo5347]

@@HermannTheGreat I'm amazed at Chevy trucks not even 10 years old and already rusting away. Relative works at a GM dealership and a new Blazer is 50G's. Why on earth would someone pay that for a new vehicle?

[@davidedwards2773]

Chevy sucks and has for a long time🖕🏻. Japanese for me 😎👍🏻

[@tomservo5347]

@@davidedwards2773 Dude, I just bought an Acura TSX (for only 3G with 114k on the dial) and I'm freaking loving that car. I'm puzzled why people take their chances on GM junk that's way, way overpriced. Brand loyalty I guess. It's weird having a vehicle I'm not turning a wrench on every weekend.

[@branon6565]

.....wow, I hate and detest any and every Garbage Motors produced vehicle, but it says a lot about your character that would rather give your money to some prick CEO in Japan, helping to make those dirtbags even more wealthy, than to help an American car company and the American workers it employs....Smmfh I grew up in a Ford household, and will ever strictly own Ford vehicles, with the most recent model year being my 312,000 mile 84 Ford Ranger 2.3L 4spd 4x4, the oldest a 1943 Ford GP flat fender Jeep with a Ford 289 K-Code, 74 Bronco 347 stroker that's nothin but horsepower and torque, and my only non-Ford is an 85 AMC Cj7, BUT, I'm hoping to install a Ford Coyote motor under the hood by summer 2022....I only use American made parts, yes that costs more and may take a little longer but IDGAF, I refuse to support any foreign auto manufacturer....

[@babaganoosh555]

The stories about BMW owners really hits home. Just a few weeks back we had a sweet old lady bring her grandson's 3 series in. He'd just bought it, despite her stern warnings, and he spent all the money he had on the purchase. Anyway, of course it had oil leaks galore, totally failed front shocks, every tyre was a different size, plus a few more issues... The stupid kid then blames his grandma for letting him buy it, then makes her pay for the repairs!! Never met the kid but someone needs to slap some sense in to him....

[@ryanpham3308]

Told him to pay for it himself? Such entitlement...

[@AlvinBrinson]

Last time I was this early, Car Wizard still loved BMW and Audi.

[@joeh470]

Last time i was that early, i was informed there wouldnt be a second date.

[@nicksmith8166]

I used to haul parts for GM directly to their dealerships. You’d be shocked at the number of 2.4 engines I hauled a week

[@knock904]

They are complete garbage

[@larryreno8293]

No, I’m not. The way they drink oil and blow out rear seals I’m not surprised you don’t haul more.

[@jerrynavarro2404]

Tons I believe.

[@joeyoungs8426]

No I wouldn’t. I own one…

[@badazz2969]

No I'm not at all I'm a die hard chevy fan particularly chevy trucks and a full time mechanic I love these 2.4 ecotec for one reason they keep my wallet full I would never own one you'll be lucky to get it to 200k miles without catastrophic failure

[@clarencehoffmann3391]

I retired 4 years ago after repairing this junk for 50 years in my own shop by myself. I did it all from rebuilding engines, starters, alternators, carbs, fuel injection, transmissions (both auto and manual), rear gears and all body work from small to totals. I was 74 when I got fed up with this junk. From RR to VW. I drive a 2010 and 2011 Crown Vic police cars and they are a late 80's design and can be repaired! I have enjoyed your video's. People do not check on repairs when they fall in love with today's junk! Then they want you to work for nothing! Keep up the good work!

[@phillipkeeling7327]

My first car wizard video. Well done. I was a maintenance tech in an auto assembly plant in the eighties. Watched how cars are layered together With no thought to ever fixing anything. I respect the skills of guys like wizard and the dealer techs but holy hell, that’s gotta be one of the most frustrating jobs on earth. I’ve got a 2014 four banger equinox coming up on 80 k miles, made in Tennessee. No problems ever, just praying now my water pump hangs in there.

[@roscoewhitejr5621]

A lot of them are made in Canada including the cobalt GMC terrain etc.. and Canada sells alot of problem fixers like special blow-by oil caps, Aunt oil canister some things that allow the oil to stay in the engine at the same time. Most the Chevys have these problems and are made in Canada and you can only get these weird performance parts that stop rear main seals from blowing from Canada. And if you live in Sunshine States you can't even get the parts because of emission laws

[@schwarzermond6033]

This is why I highly encourage people to do thorough research on any vehicle you’re thinking of buying.

[@dgurevich1]

I followed this advice when I wanted to buy a ford edge. Learned that it has the same water pump in timing chain situation. Wised up and bought a Lexus RX. Couldn't be happier.

[@alskooper3319]

If you did that, no one would buy a new car. They are all over-complicated with little concern to serviceability and attendant repair costs.

[@CeeZee001]

Car complaints is a website I constantly use. I'll also use reddit as a search for a car and see what the mechanic subreddit says. If you're lazy and don't want to do research just get a Toyota or Lexus and call it a day.

[@midwestfarm757]

@@CeeZee001 car complaints does have a few flaws like no vin number is required for registering a complaint, also they seem to have an issue distinguishing an I-4 issue from a v6. I noticed most of the complaints were at random mileage and never followed up. Some cars get a pass when there is a known defect. With an unsecured site like that, I think Ford salesman or Buick salesman can write bad reviews all day. Recently a friend refused to buy a used car because of bad reviews on the site, bought a Kia instead because there were no complaints and had his engine implode (common Kia issue)

[@dgurevich1]

@@alskooper3319 That's the idea. unfortunately, new car market is trying really hard to switch to a 3 year lease model, and anything past that is an after thought. Especially with European cars.

[@50sKid]

There are tons of water pumps that are driven off timing belts. The old 90s mk3 VW Jetta 2.0 for example. Or the Honda V6 engines. Good thing about those is, since the timing belt is a common tune up item, you do the pump along with the belt and never have to worry outside of that. But, yeah, the engineering on this particular water pump is moronic.

[@MrLuisinho90]

Agreed, my 2012 Fiesta is the same. The shop replaced the timing belt along with the water pump for a fraction of the cost. Talking about Ford, their transverse mounted V6s like the 3.5 on the Edge/MKX/Taurus have an overly complicated water pump design. I don't know which one is worse TBH

[@suzuki230]

I truly believe some people just want to watch the world burn, this is a prime example, but in reality seems like something the designers did to make it so the customer brings the car to the shop more likely.

[@Devilacme]

That's why I don't think it is a problem. When the water pump is changed alongside with the belt and other stuff it is going to work well. I don't really have experience of the newer cars though.

[@startingtech3900]

KID IS BACK good to see u mate just bought an 06 imola red 330ci zhp imola red 6 speed manual w cinnamon m3 interior convertible w perfect top, im in cali too. want to buy it?

[@DriveCarToBar]

Some companies do that layout better than others. The Ford Duratec 35 and 37 compared to the Nissan VQ35. Both have their water pump driven by the timing, but the Ford places its pump in the center of the 'Vee' of the timing chain and uses it as a stressed pulley for the chain, between the two heads. Nissan placed theirs lower and on one side and does not use it as a pulley. So with the VQ motor, it only ever experiences the force of the chain spinning the pulley. The Duratec though, is used in the same position a tensioner would be and is bearing the full force of all the engine timing pieces including the cam sprockets and tensioners. So when the Ford pump fails, and they do, you have to take the entire timing setup off the front of the engine including the valve covers. The oil pan comes off too. But because of the design on the Ford timing system, you can't just slip the chains off. You need a special tool to hold the variable valve timing stuff and cams in place, or else you have to re-time the engine. And there was a lawsuit over the Ford water pump. Because of the high torque load experienced by the pump and the pump's design, they wear out prematurely because the shaft in the pump gets pulled out of square, wearing out the shaft seals. When the shaft seals wear, the pump doesn't drip out of its weep holes, it dumps all the coolant as quickly as it can pump it and it goes into the oil pan. So if you don't stop the motor as soon as you see it getting hot, you could be chewing up the bearings in the bottom end and pumping oilpan milkshake through all your expensive variable valve timing parts like mine did. The Nissan? Pop off the front cover, unbolt the water pump, use a wrench to release tension from the tensioner and let the chain go slack. Then pull the pump out. Stick the new pump in and release the tensioner to retension the chain. As long as you don't turn the chain at all, the engine stays in time. It's why a water pump on a Nissan VQ35DE in a Murano or a Quest is $500 and a water pump on a Duratec 35 in a Ford Flex is $1400. It is 10 hours of labor by the book!

[@adam200784]

Over here in Europe the older Vauxhall/ Opel Insignia ( Buick Regal) that has the 2.0 diesel (pre 2016) is the same. Over here they replace the pump at the same time as renewing the timing belt. The newer has the pump driven by the aux belt. Gets better the 1.6 diesel found in that car is chain driven but the chain is on the gearbox side so its engine out to change the chain if you have an issue. Thats a 15hr job

[@atx-cvpi_99]

The Chevrolet Cruze and Equinox in the USA also gets the 1.6 diesel.

[@tomlee432]

Brother I completely agree. I have been a master tech for 40 plus years. The engineering is ridiculous. I'm sick to death of hearing about cost. The manufacturers could careless about the customer. That water pump could have easily been simplified by the use of a split housing. I can't see any extra cost by doing so. The cat would still have to come out but the tool and the extra time would have been cut in half. The transfer tube could have been made so as not to remove the t-stat housing as well. Therefore you would not need a timing tool, the removal of the t-stat house, the big one piece water pump, the wheel and shield removal, and the seal kit. You would probably be looking at 1.7 hours in labor. That job would have been able to have been done for around $350.00 bucks. And people let me explain something to you. Automotive repair shops and technicians are not charity centers. What you do not understand is that it takes a lot of money and training for a tech to be good at his job. It takes a lot of money to operate and supply a shop. Then you have the insurance that must be carried on everything. Lights, heat, nuts, bolts, fastsners, degreasers, cleaners, lubricants, hoses, clamps, rags, and a ton of other things that go into the repairs and maintenance of vehicles are not handed out for free. Then you have building codes and federal regulations and state regulations and licensing. Disposal costs and upkeep. Right down to the soap and toilet paper. So when it comes to a big bill, don't cry about it. Automotive technicians hear it all. They give up seeing family and friends because you want to keep your appointment with family and friends. Honest men worry about the quality of the service they give. If you don't want a big repair bill, then go and buy everything you need to repair your car yourself. A thousand dollars won't buy you nothing but a harbor freight tools box without tools. And that's another thing, good quality tools cost tens of thousands of dollars. I like your video. And I like how you told the truth. They are junk.

[@mayormc]

I've come to love watching the Wizard and his "wizardly" lessons. I quit working on my cars years ago when I could no longer identify where anything went.

[@tribalxredklr4039]

You ever tried a haynes manual bub? Lol

[@chrisdigital]

No car in my state NH looks like that under it. What a treat. EVERYTHING IS RUST AND A STRUGGLE IN THE SALT BELT.

[@steelisthemeal]

Indeed

[@andrew1979ish]

You want to see the things I see in the U.K. we surrounded buy salt air and the salt the roads for 4 months a year I’ve had to weld 6 year old fords over here 🤣

[@chrisdigital]

@@andrew1979ish Same shite here my friend. Freakin nuts

[@andrew1979ish]

@@chrisdigital it breaks my heart every time I take my own out in winter crazy thing is u be luck we see a week of snow all winter 🤷‍♂️

[@jeremypilot1015]

@@andrew1979ish Yup that's New York. The roads are covered in rock salt literally 6 months of the year, Then the humidity in the summer accelerates the oxidation. Holes right through frames, bolts seized in place. It's the worst bro Check out a channel called South Main Auto he's in upstate NY and has prime examples of rotten ass NY cars and trucks

[@SawyerSmoak]

Usually the 2.4 doesn’t last long enough to need a water pump 😂

[@randym119]

I always get a kick out of following these up on ramps and seeing them belch out blue smoke. Garbage

[@BibleProphecyReformation]

My 2011 equinox just turned 200k miles this week driving back from Florida to Massachussets for the 6th time and never had a problem with the water pump.

[@SawyerSmoak]

@@BibleProphecyReformation what number engine are you on?

[@dantebrytant5285]

@@SawyerSmoak he won't tell you he going to say problem free since he brought it but people know gm it's no way problem free

[@BibleProphecyReformation]

@@SawyerSmoak still original engine and transmission but replaced catalytic converter and O2 sensors and oil seal at 185k miles, intake VVT valve about 2 months, spark plugs and coils about 4 months ago. But the reason this car has gone for so long is I keep checking the oil and never let it get low since this engine has a reputation for burning oil. I have also used 10w40 instead of the recommended 5w30 to compensate for engine wear.

[@philipwilliams7947]

@CarWizard Bought a used 2013 Equinox a couple years ago. Oil was changed a few weeks before I bought it. Driving along a few weeks later my check engine light comes on. A friend of mine said check your oil. It was so low, it didnt read on the dip. This thing goes thru about a quart of oil every 500 or so miles. I kept up with it until the timing chain went. I decided to go with a re-manufactured engine instead of fighting the oil consumption war. I had come into the money to be able to do it. 7500 dollars for that engine. Installed. It has a 3 year 100k mile warranty. Its the best i could do. I love the Equinox when its running. But the engine has been a son of a gun. Just had this done a few weeks ago. And I hadnt had to put oil in it yet after 800 miles. I just got lucky with the money at the right time. Where else can you get a good used vehicle for 7500 dollars with a 3 year 100k mile warranty these days? You cant. Will see how this goes, lol. Wish me luck!!

[@puregsr]

If you have never taken off a catalytic converter/rusty exhaust parts before, you won't understand the pain and hassle

[@electronicengineer]

Heat and water over time on the studs and nuts tends to "fuse" the two together over time. I drilled out many head exhaust bolts and learned this the hard way also. It is not fun work in any way, shape, or form. Fred

[@TheBandit7613]

Not if you live in Las Vegas. I was able to un bolt the factory exhaust on a 92' Jeep without breaking any studs. Things are a pleasure to work on when they're not Rusty.

[@csrunner6296]

Oh I bet GM never thought the engine would last that many miles to need the water pump changed in the first place...given the piston ring issue.

[@garydiane1577]

171K miles. Be fair about this. Any water pump is going to be at least $500. I remember when cars needed a overhaul at 100K. He looked at the rest of the car and said everything looked good at 171K miles! This is a economy car, built to a price. I’ve seen many Subarus that have needed $4000 head gasket replacements before 150K. GM has nothing to hang their head about with this situation.

[@Stressless2023]

@@garydiane1577 I have to agree. This thing has almost 200k and still on the road. ANYTHING with this kind of mileage is a hooptie, but to be in this good of shape after damn near a decade and 200k miles is impressive to me.

[@bkucinschi]

@@garydiane1577 : Yeah, frankly 170,000 miles is quite decent. But the question is: why don't the designers think about an easier way to replace the darn pump when it fails??

[@petrosaguilar8916]

My older Ford with a 302 hit 300k miles last week and the water pump just now gave out. Truck is still completely drivable just have no heat. 177k miles is not much.

[@garydiane1577]

@@bkucinschi they have the engine, transmission, differential and pollution control components all jammed under that hood- the hood that needs to be as low as possible for good aerodynamics (gas mileage). To me it’s BMW that has no excuse; they’re rear wheel drive, so they should be much easier to access engine components on them then these front drive econo boxes.

[@lemonaid8678]

This is why I became a mechanic, I was always to poor to pay someone to fix my vehicles.

[@richardgrand9476]

you became a mechanic because you are unable to spell the simplest of words… TO in this case - should be TOO

[@lemonaid8678]

@@richardgrand9476 lol? Now off the top of your head, tell me the firing order for a c-15, 6CT and dd15 motors.

[@supersabrosinho]

No kidding man. You never know people's situation. Not being able to pay 1k bill in the middle of a pandemic is apparently something to b be ashamed of? Anyways, good luck wrenching out there

[@rogueranger7989]

EXACTLY! How Xan You Pay a Garage/Dealer $100 + an Hour when You Don't Make That??

[@mydimeisup5103]

​@@richardgrand9476 Absolute dick. I'd like you to tell me how the PCV system works and creates a vacuum in the engine. Can you tell me how a simple oil filter screen can cause oil pressure issues. What about camshaft bridges and complex oiling systems. What about all the electrical systems in cars nowadays and how to diagnose failures? What about my suspension geometry? No? Guess you should leave it to the mechanics who are smart. Just because someone gets down and dirty on something mechanical and is "blue-collar" doesn't mean they are dumb by any stretch of the imagination.

[@kipmcmahan9714]

The world needs more people like the Wizard. People who have the knowledge, experience and guts to tell the truth. Engineering like that is idiocy and its done out of pure greed.

[@Firebird400]

4.5hrs is pretty tight for that job . A guy can get in trouble pretty quickly with those exhaust parts

[@williamviman2864]

*Shudders in Canadian*

[@Usmanthemecano]

You ain't never lied 😂

[@electronicengineer]

Amen. Fred

[@sprintcardriver8]

I don't even touch exhaust nuts or bolts without heating them up with a torch works almost every time

[@dztxtea]

I used to work in a shop that specialized in BMW, Mercedes, etc. What this guy is saying is spot on. I'd say a good 60-75% of the people that came in for a repair, or even just maintenance, could not afford it. The crying and complaining got to be an every day event. They had to leave their precious cars at the shop for weeks, even months before they could find the money to pay for them. It's all about image and the status symbol. Stupid people.

[@anonimoporsiempre6033]

IM 100% AGREE 👍👍👍

[@jerrynavarro2404]

Yup

[@tommyodonovan3883]

I paid $2000 for my 2004 Avalanche in 2015, today it's worth $8000 on a trade in.

[@anonimoporsiempre6033]

@@tommyodonovan3883 Yeah on a trade not cash. They just want you to get a 40 thousand dolar vehicle and the 8 they offer are included somewhere in there. They will never lost money. 🤦🏻‍♂️😳

[@hoopty.]

@@anonimoporsiempre6033 that is why my everyday driver is a 500 dollar Chevy celebrity. Getting close to 400,000 miles. I changed the water pump and thermostat for 30 bucks, preventive maintenance. I bypass the AC, because I'm no crying ass Baby and roll my windows down. Gotta love rolling in the old law 👍💰

[@JohnnyAmerique]

They’re literally engineering vehicles to be unreliable and require needlessly expensive repairs. Should be illegal.

[@blocke2551]

With all of the emission stuff they put on cars now 99% if them would be illegal.

[@francosamericanmusings1560]

Bingo

[@alnascar97]

Who designs a waterpump to bolt on at 7 foot pounds. This engineer is an embarrassment

[@RyanEmeryLovesCars]

This isn't bad. You'll love replacing Ford's Duratec 35/37 V6 water pump for FWD vehicles. Also timing chain driven. And if you don't catch it in time coolant will mix with the oil and your engine will seize. That repair would be much more than $1,000. And it can happen as little as 60K miles. :-)

[@Funrunner008]

Yeah everyone talking smack about the poor little equinox when theres much worse out there..ignorance is bliss

[@kuebby]

My friend got one of those. It was soooo hard to hold my tongue and not ask, "Why do you hate yourself?"

[@brianmiller6340]

I had an 07 one of these. I've had 14 vehicles since '95, and that Equinox was the only one I never had second thoughts about getting rid of.

[@miketeeveedub5779]

Chevy 2.4 EcoTech: "My water pump is a PITA to change!" Ford 3.5 V-6: "Haha - hold my timing chain!"

[@atx-cvpi_99]

Chrysler 2.7, hold my beer. The 2.7 Chrysler was a disaster.

[@markh.6687]

Chevy 2.2 Ecotech with "Total Fail" timing chain that GM tried to fix 3 times and still couldn't: "Hi! You must be new here!"

[@xoxo2008oxox]

Ford 5.4 3valve: "Set Phazers on broken! Timing now for a new engine!"

[@mikekovacs8981]

Ford 3.5 V6 burned my girlfriend on her Flex. Almost fell off my chair when she told me the quote for the water pump!

[@joshuabauer2297]

Don't forget the ford 3.7 v6 , and the transverse mounted 3.5 ecoboost.

[@lpgillies]

I owned a 2013 Chevy Captiva. Wonderful car. Comfortable, well optioned and dependable. I got 168000 mile before selling it for nearly $5000.

[@joypeaceandhappiness1501]

My mom has a 2012, 145k miles no issues and she bought it used, but it's very well maintained

[@ItaliansAreFromItaly]

I laughed when he was talking about the charcoal canister placement

[@Andyandcars]

The water pumps never outlast the timing chain and guides on these 2.4.... I’m sure that one with 171k had it done already and they cheeped out on doing the water pump at the same time

[@Mis73rRand0m]

Modern timing chains - if they aren't meant for the "Lifetime" of the engine - are usually rated for 200k miles. Some times the tensioner can easily be replaced from the side or whatnot, but rarely is the chain expected to ever be replaced before the vehicle is off the road.

[@masonburhoe2559]

@@Mis73rRand0m take a page from the book of BMW, Audi, or some MB engines and you will quickly realize that just because they are rated for 200k or lifetime does not mean they won't fail sooner.

[@Mis73rRand0m]

@@masonburhoe2559 Oh i fully understand, hence why I said "expected to be replaced." The factory doesn't expect to do the job because they hope the part is actually engineered to last 200k... expectations often fail to meet reality in the German vehicle engineering world.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

It’s on it’s second engine and transmission.

[@waydewynn4191]

I did this job for a friend in my garage. I didn't pull the cat and did her timing chain while I was there. It was hard but not that hard. I just charged her 200 labor. I figured by the time I bought the special tool I could get a timing set for it so that's what i did.

[@mikemerk1]

Same I didn't think it was that hard. I did head gasket as well

[@couchpotatoe3204]

Same...not difficult.

[@mizinoinovermyhead.7523]

But its not run off the timing chain its run off an untimed secondary chain.

[@stylzeswift9705]

You are a decent person... When I comes to your labor.. These shops are money driven.. Car Dr. Adds shop fees. .. Question ❓.. Aren't all shops supposed to have the tools to do the job.. why would u charge for that... Sheer greed !!!

[@silverstake88]

​@@stylzeswift9705-- tools aren't free. They have to be purchased.

[@allancheli]

Don’t diss my 2011 equinox . It has taught me how to change a timing chain, diagnose all sorts of sensor failures, use a gm tech 2 tool and flash the ecu, etc. I think I will keep it for life..I have invested tons of hours working on it. I thank God that now it runs great, its super comfy, good on gas and it looks nicer than suvs of similar year/ price. Thanks GM for improving my mechanical skills.

[@rider9195]

These are gravy, especially that one being FWD and much more room. Another common failure is the balance chain tensioner extending too far and putting excessive strain on the water pump bearing, it will make quite the noise!

[@sigsauer3719]

This man is honest and a hard worker. Great content, I enjoy the channel.

[@josephtzougrakis7431]

If this is the original water pump at 170,000 miles, I'm impressed. My porsche 944 needed a new water pump every 45,000 miles

[@jordancapps9521]

They are supposed to last 150k to 200k in normal vehicles. It was a secret weakness of 2000's Toyota I4 Camry and Carolla engines losing the water pump around 100k.

[@pablopicaro7649]

I have two 944s, for last 30 years. One on each got changed one so far at about 120k miles. It might be that you are buying junky parts.,

[@geerstyresoil3136]

Agree, I have a 2012 V6 Equinox and haven't had any issues with it. I think your going to run into packaging issues like this with any compact SUV.

[@EvilTurkeySlices]

@@geerstyresoil3136 we have a 2018 equinox with the 1.5l and it’s given us no problems for 50,000 miles.(except a random check engine light for the vacuum assisted brakes, but that went away when it was cleared and hasn’t came back)

[@atx-cvpi_99]

That car on the video has already had a drivetrain swap.

[@waiting4aliens]

I drive a 1987 Volvo 245 as a dd. As a retired tech what else is simpler, cheaper to maintain, or more bulletproof? I don't care what people think of me. Who do I have to impress? Your earlier vid on why techs drive grandma cars was spot on. I am considering moving up to A 92 Cressida with 80 k miles.. I did have to spend almost $600 for it and then it needed a battery. I will have to consider if it is a money pit. Really enjoy the shows and the content, thank you Car Wizard.

[@thatguybrian9781]

I love how straight forward you are “it’s going to be hell to do the water pump on”

[@themexicanstaringfrogofsou5268]

That job is an easy one. That tool prevents you from actually removing the front cover or timing chains. Unlike a Ford 3.5 found in the explorer, flex and others. On those you have to disassemble everything. Around 10-12 hours book time

[@richardchapman5758]

My wife’s 2010 Ford Taurus SHO 3.5l ecoboost needed a water pump replaced and I was quoted $3000 at a Ford dealership. So be very mechanically inclined I did it myself at about $400 in parts and 16 hours labor.

[@themexicanstaringfrogofsou5268]

@@richardchapman5758 Nice!

[@Nitrogang]

Never buying a ford, or really anything modern. These auto makers have gone mad

[@themexicanstaringfrogofsou5268]

@@Nitrogang Thats why I bought me a new tacoma vs a ranger or colorado. My taco is old school, like me! Still using hydraulic power steering, not electric like the others.( I've seen several fords already with failed electric steering units costing big $) Still running drum brakes. Still running a conventional engine cooling fan with fan clutch vs electric like the others. No power seats( I've lost track on how many chevy's I've repaired the power seat motors/tracks). Also no cylinder deactivation or auto engine start/stop, both useless technologies IMO. They just add to the cost of long term car repairs more than the few drops of gas they save.

[@Oakleyworld]

@@Nitrogang i really dont care, i like latest technology with warranty, if i like the car still ill extend the warranty, after that i buy another car with latest tech

[@gemballacirrus]

The flashing red arrow over the yatch was hilarious!

[@kris856]

yep, I was looking for a monkey, a cat or something similar walking on it as a background hero falling off the yacht LOL

[@utuber2940]

What's a yatch?

[@numberone7674]

I was looking for something

[@sleepyhollow783]

That was a funny detail from Mrs. Wizard.🛥

[@kris856]

@@utuber2940 yatch is a CarWizard's boat aka yacht

[@MegaNinjaMonkeyZord]

Few years back owner decided nah i don't want reliable CUV that keep its value well(RAV4), i don't want it to be fast(RAV4 V6) i don't want it to be fun to drive (Mazda CX7) i don't want it to be competent soft roarding or in the snow, (Subaru Forester), nah what i want is Chevy Equinox

[@Mclovinthedank]

Insane. I changed a waterpump on my old Toyota in under an hour and i had no idea what i was doing.

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

cuz toyotas r gay

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

@Beelzebot shutup nobody talkin 2 u

[@jamesmedina2062]

@@BmwMe-uh9sy No you are gay. Most people use a vehicle for affordable, reliable transportation, unlike a Bimmer owner that doesn't have a life aside from cars and coffee and drifting that M3 into a curb.

[@QuickQuips]

Yeah. The mechanic who replaced mine charged a hundred for mine. The price to replace all shocks, oil change, and that pump was 1000 for my rav4. Or the same price as this. Including parts.

[@jamesmedina2062]

@@QuickQuips what do you "that pump" in your RAV4? That pump does not go on a RAV4 does it?

[@cullenmiller8170]

He didn’t mention the taco Tuesday mishap in the passenger seat. 🤣🤣

[@EdA-bz3bu]

That “depends” 😉

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

I spill a lot of coffee in my passenger seat.

[@TwentytenS4B8]

Those kinds of deposits are generally made after hearing what the repair quote will be.

[@VectraQS]

Dad was a GM mechanic for about 20 years. One of the worst things he complained about was Cadillacs where changing the light bulbs required removing the front bumper.

[@esco819]

Mostly all cars are like that lol

[@slscamg]

@@esco819 just GMs. Even my BMW has an access for in the wheel well. 😂

[@MrWoodyBalto]

Not saying it's a good design but, I own a 14 CTS Coupe, the book says you need to remove the bumper but you don't have to. You can remove a few bolts and bend the soft bumper cover enough to access he bolts for the light. I wouldn't want to do it in frigid temps but it's doable.

[@esco819]

@@slscamg you drive a BMW 😂

[@Ghoststalker777]

Yeah I just had a bulb changed in my 2010 CTS and my mechanic was pissed and mesmerised about taking the front of my car apart to get at a light bulb. GMC is really starting to suck in my books.

[@larrysacks8927]

Car Wizard great video, as always. I had a 2003 BMW 330xi with a five speed and the only thing I had to repair in my 150 thousand miles of ownership was a window regulator and a water pump (I was on the original clutch when I sold it 12 years later as I didn’t want to find out how much that would be). It was a great car a fun car and based on all of your videos I consider myself extremely lucky that it didn’t cost me a lot more. When I bought it I went in knowing that routine maintenance and repairs would be costly. I did all of the routine maintenance and maintained it well. My philosophy is if you take care of your car it will take care of you. Keep the videos coming and again a great video!

[@imthatguypal_]

Dude this guy exaggerates everything about bimmers, I’ve had mine for 2 years and it has not failed on me once. Just spent money on regular maintenance and flat tires pretty much.

[@reedstemen]

My friend’s wife had a blue equinox like this, helped him diagnose engine issues as a loose timing chain, cost was so high to fix he just scrapped it at 160,000 miles, these are throw away cars.

[@md2k8]

Agreed

[@codyrandolph4371]

Funny how 160k miles is considered throw away these days. My dad still thinks 90k miles is too high for a car. Lmao

[@IIOctaneII]

@@codyrandolph4371 160k is considered barely driven on Toyotas and Lexus 🤣

[@codyrandolph4371]

@@IIOctaneII Oh I know, I just find it funny how mileage on cars has ballooned and it's really not a big deal depending on the make: Honda, Toyota, even some domestic trucks.

[@frederickevans4113]

@@IIOctaneII I drove my Camry 🚗 as my work truck. Trunk and back seat were full of tools 🔧and job supplies. I had a roof rack I sometimes used to transport things up to and including full 96 × 48 × ¾ inch plywood. I also towed a trailer with even more job supplies/material/appliances/trash as needed. I'm also an Assistant Scoutmaster and I took that car off the pavement and into the woods (sometimes for miles on dirt/gravel) to go camping 🏕 with our Boy Scout Troop, at least a couple times per year. Treating it like that, my Camry's 5S-FE 4-cylinder engine threw a rod at only a mere 461,228 original miles (742,274½ Km). Slushbox tranny, exhaust, and upholstery were all still original too. I would have gotten another engine at a junkyard, did the timing belt/water pump & some gaskets/seals and kept the car going past half a million miles too. My wife reminded me that a truck or SUV would be better suited to my needs. So, no engine swap. 🪦

[@mikedaugharty5544]

my experiance at gm as a mech. you could have just as well pulled timing cover to put the chains in too for they are epidemic failures. thats the truth.. . and if burning any oil rings on pistons stuck !! also exh. manifold cracks are common. usually with pluged oil ashed converter they are 100k vehicles , sorry to say!! ones that did poooor mantainance t-chains at 30k usually

[@tonebonebgky2]

Yeah I owned a 2011 for one year and heard all of the horror stories that's why I got rid of mine at 100k!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I paid $2k for my older low mileage GMC and sometimes I wonder if I overpaid. It's had so many BS little issues I've had to repair. Broken this, leaky that, common failures too. I don't understand why people don't just stick with Japanese.

[@walkerpendleton760]

06 Chevy equinox is great

[@StayFit2013]

Not to mention pcv issues. We have 5 equinoxes in for rear mains currently

[@mikedaugharty5544]

@@StayFit2013 i only did one on warr. but older ones usually went to the independents due to shop rate$$ lower

[@smithraymond09029]

Ladies and gentlemen, manufacturers don't give a hoot about serviceabilty when they design these cars. They want you to get a huge bill like this and perhaps convince you to trade it in on a new car from them. Wise up.

[@kimchipig]

Actually, it's all about reducing assembly times. GM is the worst for this. Putting the water pump in this location could save, say, 30 seconds a motor. When you are making millions of motors, it adds up.

[@geojohnson5613]

That's for sure. I just spent an afternoon changing the front turn signal bulb in my 2011 Equinox. There is a little cover that can be removed inside of the fender liner and then you are able to barely touch the bulb with two fingers! Ended up having to partially remove the bumper and grill assembly in order to pull the headlight assembly out far enough to remove that turn signal bulb. The dealerships charge about $100 to do a $3 bulb change. The design engineer should be hung. Man, I hope my water pump doesn't go bad! I have 106k on it and so far the only repair I have had to do was to replace the VVT camshaft solenoids.

[@jamesmedina2062]

@@kimchipig Yep: BEAN COUNTERS!

[@jamalgould1813]

💯 true

[@fortfun46835]

It's easy to access when the motor is being built. In the car, not so much.

[@93sundance]

I just did pistons and rings on my wife's 13. If you think this one is bad, try a AWD with Calf emissions. I changed out the waterpump while I had it apart.

[@Rift45]

Not to excuse GM but at 170,000mi I’d expect to have to do some work

[@tonebonebgky2]

Some work yes, $1000 jobs no. This person's lucky to still have a car honestly these don't last this long usually.

[@gregculverwell]

Hell I did 350k with a BMW without having to take a spanner on the engine apart from the normal servicing!

[@crbb3099]

@@tonebonebgky2 Well no, expensive jobs is exactly what I would be expecting lol..these parts don't last forever. I also think the owners are stupid to invest $1000 in a car worth $4000 at most.

[@dcan911]

@@crbb3099 the point is that a water pump should not be a $1000 job, I just did the water pump on my 25 year old volvo in my driveway, it took maybe 40 minutes.

[@russellhltn1396]

@@crbb3099 It may not be as dumb as you think. They need a car. They're not going to replace it with another $4000 car. That's just not human nature. And even if they did, there's a good change it might need a $1000 repair soon. Sometimes the devil you know is better than the one you don't. I'd guess that if the customer were looking to replace this, it would be more like $8,000-10,000. And that's before we talk financing. In that light, spending $1000 on a known car in good condition that you can get several more years out of may be not a bad deal. The real test is not how much you can sell it for, but what you can get out of it (assuming it still fits your needs).

[@dethklok21]

This is why I love the wizard. Great information and warnings to stay far far away from certain vehicles.

[@1jzMKIII]

Such a terrible vehicle that lasted 175000 miles and needed only a waterpump.... not to shabby in my opinion.

[@gav3379]

You keep saying "Timing chain" but it's actually the Balance Shaft chain. Timing chain is separate and does not run the waterpump. The sprocket holding tool makes the job quite easy. The Timing chain is a issue with this engine due to poor oil maintenance damaging the tensioner.

[@lawnmowerdude]

Someone who actually has some sense.

[@plektosgaming]

You have to check the oil in these about every two weeks and change at 3-4K miles religiously. If you think of it as a large motorcycle engine that revs hard rather than a big V8 lump of iron that you can leave in a barn for 6 months, you should be fine.

[@kevinemmers7025]

The balance shafts have to be properly timed or else this vehicle will have some serious driveability issues. Granted this is not as critical as camshaft timing. But being even a little off with the balance shaft timing will cause some unwanted engine vibration and premature wear and tear.

[@christianmccollum1028]

THAT'S LUNACY!!! My wife's Terrain is currently under repair (by me) for a failed variable timing solenoid replacement. I PRAY we get rid of this thing before the water pump fails. Thanks for the video, Wizard and Mrs. Wizard!!! Respect from Texas

[@MrRlwillis1977]

"All of 'em are junk." YOU GOT THAT RIGHT! GM has been cranking out GARBAGE for years.

[@thecumfucker7101]

Thats why people either buy dodge or ford for a American car. Dodge's have good power and fair reliability. Ford's are cheap and the parts are everywhere and the cars are everywhere because of that.

[@daniels2761]

Or they get an American Toyota.

[@thecumfucker7101]

@@daniels2761 yeah. Either of the 3

[@thecumfucker7101]

@@jamesrichardson559 thats the 60's. They were god tier for American cars at the time but now they crank out over engineered pos's that i struggle to call "cars"

[@theshield1613]

@@thecumfucker7101 Dodge is cheap as well not just Ford ,Fiat needs to redesigned the interior and dashboard on the dodge charger and challenger has the same design since 2011 or 2012.

[@kirksimpson3815]

Guilty and apologize Wizard - I am in TX, my daughter was in Newton going to school. Found Wizards shop via YT a year or two back and had her bring her E46 3 series into the shop for a coolant light. Did not know that the Wizard did not like BMW's at that point in time. Ended up needing a new cap and some coolant is all (thank you for not messing us over). I also called in payed the bill :) She is in Wichita now so if the car needs worked on when not in TX (where I normally maintain the car) I will have her go over to the Ninja -LOL

[@maquesim4296]

It's really not his business or concern to be worried about how the work gets paid for. Different cultures have different family structures/traditions. It isn't his job to scrutinize familial dynamics. It's his job to fix the water pump and get paid for it. He isn't a sociologist or family counselor. He's a mechanic. You owe him zero apology lol And for the record, before anyone says anything, I've been on my own since 16, don't have a father and never got shit from any other family member. I've always paid for my own shit but who hasn't needed some help from time to time? I wish I had someone to help once in a while.

[@watchreport]

@@maquesim4296 I didn’t know what you were talking about as I hadn’t gotten to the end yet, but now I watched it all and heard what he said. I can’t say I really disagree with him, but he should have probably kept it to himself. Not because he can’t have an opinion, but because others are so easily offended.

[@GameOver-mc8fw]

I can't think of any "culture" whose family structure is proud of having an adult moocher to support. Good for you for not being a liability to your family or others. Hope you raise your kids to get things done themselves.

[@TheDc1984dc]

Last time I changes a water pump close to that was a Quad 4. The front cover had to come off. That isn't near as bad.

[@evsnova74]

Must have been a later 2.4L twin cam. Not that it's easy or anything but the 2.3L quad4 doesn't require removal of the timing chain

[@Shirkatron]

I agree I also felt like I was working on a BMW. I took this job from my C tech once I read the instructions. I started it a night with the intention of finishing it in the morning. When I came to work the next day I discovered I was now replacing the chain cover, sprockets and chain/chain guides. The sales man wanted to show the car to the customer and started it with the water pump sprocket tool bolted to the cover.

[@jameshall4385]

As long as you have the special tool and the bolts come out of the converter, it looks like an easy job. I’ve done much harder water pumps on front wheel drive cars.

[@HoyaSaxaSD]

Didn’t you hear the Wizard? $1,000 job. As hard as BMW.

[@bradleyheine933]

My moms terrains at the dealership getting it’s third engine on warranty and exhaust manifold. And a set of catalytic converters.

[@electronicengineer]

It's "that great GM feeling"! Fred

[@chicanobluesaz4191]

Not to defend GM in any way whatsoever..... But that sounds like a dealer problem, specifically.

[@MrLuisinho90]

get it reapired and trade it in right away

[@daniels2761]

Better ditch that thing for something else before the warranty is up....

[@michaelclark9840]

I had a GMC Acadia. It was the biggest piece of junk I've ever driven, and working on it was so frustrating.

[@madmatt2024]

Despite its issues, the Equinox is easily 5 times better than one of those. The Acadia is #2 on my list of vehicles I tell people never to buy.

[@md2k8]

@@madmatt2024 All of the GM crossovers are garbage. You can go for a Mazda CX-5 or a newer Mazda CX-9 instead.

[@madmatt2024]

@@md2k8 I absolutely agree that CX-5s and CX-9s are better cars BUT you pay a HUGE premium on them over a domestic model. I was helping my mom shop for a used small SUV about 3 years ago. She didn't like the Escape, the Edge is junk, and I would NEVER put her in a Chrysler product. I wanted to find her a CX-5 but pricing on them was insane. The 2012 Equinox she got was $10,500, it was single owner, 2wd with 65K miles and was a southern car. A CX-5 of the same year with around 100K miles from the rusty north was 13,900. CR-Vs were even worse, an 08 with 80K miles was $12K! As for the CX-9s, they may be better than an Acadia BUT they have the Ford Duratec motors with the timing chain driven water pumps that are known to fail and cost $2K+ to repair.

[@md2k8]

@@madmatt2024 If you go for the 2016 and newer, as known as the second-generation Mazda CX-9, it will have the 2.5 L Skyactiv turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It replaced the 3.7 L V6 engine and it resolved the water pump issue.

[@bigpjohnson]

The neighbor across the street has a 10 year old Acadia with apparently the world's best aftermarket warranty. He had a rental at least a week every month. I've told him to get rid of the fucking thing for a while now.

[@md2k8]

It is now seven months later, after the Car Wizard did a maintenance and repair video on this 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, because he did a video on the six used vehicles, that you should never, ever buy in the used market. This vehicle is one of them. Also, in the not to buy used market, ever is the older, 2005 to 2008 Chrysler Pacifica crossover wagon, any of them. Anyway, I am hopeful for more Car Wizard maintenance and repair videos to come fairly tomorrow or any time, this coming week or one of the last couple months of 2021. I am waiting for a video on a 2018 Kia Sportage EX crossover to see how the 2.4 L four-cylinder engine had some problems with the electrical system, mechanical failures, etc. Also, I want to see an in-depth tour and a video on a 2004 Ford Thunderbird, as well. This will make Mrs. Wizard happy, because these vehicles are still running like a brand new model and they have a very low odometer reading. These newer Thunderbird's never had any problems, especially with only one engine and one transmission, which is the 3.9 L V8 engine and the five-speed automatic transmission. I would like to buy a 2004 Ford Thunderbird, one of these days.

[@jrbuch]

Ha, we drove an Equinox just like this when we visited L.A and drove it nearly all across the West Coast and down as far as Texas. Certainly wouldn't have thought the water pump would have been 1k. The car felt cheap. Really cheap.

[@elizabethcherry920]

That's the main reason why I quit being a mechanic, the cost of repairs has gotten stupid ,there use to be a lot of things other than cars I use to like that was a hobby and I have gaven up these hobbies because of the cost of modern technology, they say technology improves human life, yeah as a big cost.

[@gregorytolson4621]

Fuel efficiency has its drawbacks. But a needed necessity to not run out of oil in the ground quickly

[@mph5896]

Smart idea. These newer powertrains are getting stupid in how crammed in they have become. I just pulled a PTU on a Taurus tonight. The car is built around the thing.

[@DarthVader1977]

given* up

[@edwardsadler6003]

The water pump on a 2014 was around 100 dollars, it took me 3 hours doing it myself, on ramps it wasn't fun but I've seen alot worse, it wasn't worth all the mouthing you did about this car, get with it and get it done, you get paid well, all cars are not service friendly these days. And the customer pays dearly for the repairs and service on most makes and models.

[@LeverPhile]

I felt the same way about his BMW video ... a lot of complaining over easily removable obstacles that add only 20 or 30 minutes to the job.

[@Ingloriousdre]

2009 Saturn Aura 2.4 ecotec bought at 130k currently sitting at 170k and it rides excellent needed some suspension work, VVT solenoids, ECT sensor, Oil Change Every 3k miles been riding strong ever since.

[@Nikephorus]

My wife had an Equinox. Pure junk. Those ecotech engines burn as much oil as they do gas.

[@hedga001]

There’s actually been a class action lawsuit filed on GM for those 2.4L engines in both the equinox and Terrains from 2010 to 2017 for oil consumption. It’s due today a little scraper rings deteriorating and oil going past them. Some people even have gotten their engines replaced or repaired due to this issue. Another issue is that the GDI fuel injectors tend to leak and the timing chain guides will break causing the engine failure. Also the transmission also tend to slip and break down. Scotty Kilmer has a video on the 2.4 engine lawsuit.

[@bill_clinton697]

I have a friend whose mom has a 2014 Equinox. It is also pure junk. The car has like 80k miles on it, but the transmission shifts worse than my Corolla with 252k miles and my dad's Accord with 296k miles. Me, my friend, and his mom went on a road trip from Mississippi to Colorado and the transmission was jerking all over the place, the engine was dying at idle, and the AC was going in and out. Lets just say, I was never thinking of getting an Equinox, but now I'll absolutely not get one and will advise others against an Equinox.

[@jeezusjr]

I knew a guy that had the motor go out twice. After the second engine failure and a $6000 bill, he traded it in for late model Equinox. Lucky for him, he was able to get everything done at the same dealership that sold him the car in the first place. This is why the water pump is in the back of the engine.

[@hedga001]

@@bill_clinton697 Like Scotty Kilmer says, stick to your Toyotas and Hondas!

[@bill_clinton697]

​@@hedga001 I don't really follow the rules of Scotty Kilmer. My rules is to avoid all European cars like the plague, except for certain models, like the Mercedes Sprinters, older 1980s Volvos and Mercedes. Also, to avoid any FWD car platform vehicles from Chevy, Ford, Chrysler/Dodge, and Nissan. Its fine to buy a truck from those American companies and Nissan, but avoid the FWD cars. The Nissan Titan and Frontier are great vehicles, the Altima is not. The Ford F-150 and Rangers are great, the Focus is junk. I'm sure you get the pattern here.

[@nbpubs]

My 2006 Chevy HHR door latch costs $297 dollars. That’s why I roll the window down to open the door.

[@zackschilling4376]

That works until the window freezes. Happened to me in a 99 1500, and Im yelling at people to open my door at 1am at the gas station.

[@ARAR148]

WHAT, I had a HHR last year, I paid only four dollars for a brand new door latch and it literally took me less than 30 minutes to install,

[@clappgen5.949]

I got a complete door for my old hhr from a junkyard for $50 same color and all

[@namemcnamerton4249]

@@zackschilling4376 just climb to the passenger door 92 c/k series

[@zackschilling4376]

@@namemcnamerton4249 It had the bucket seats and when I did that before it hurt my knee on the plastic center console. Im a pretty big guy (6'3")so its a lil harder for me.

[@brandon394]

Ford does the same thing on 3.5’s in the Explorers, Edge’s, and Taurus’s expect the cat doesn’t have to come off, but still a pain to have to pull the timing cover off and mess with timing components

[@SpeCifiC0507]

Yep. Both the 3.7 and the 3.5 Duratec on many models. Luckily Ford redid the design later and made it better, but I still scratch my head as to why they decided to make the Water pump internal. They must of realized this too, as they come with warranties straight out of the gate, so that's nice.

[@_Frank_the_Tank]

I've never understood how they managed to screw that up so bad. I have an '07 Ford Five Hundred (also a '99 Taurus) they both have the old 3.0 Duratech, which was the engine the 3.5 was supposed to be the superior replacement for. The 3.0 uses an external water pump that is driven off the rear of one of camshafts. I'm not a mechanic by trade, but I am mechanically inclined and stick with older/simpler stuff I can repair myself. Took me a whole half an hour to replace the water pump on my 3.0, I'm sure someone like the wizard would knock it out in 10 minutes.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

@@SpeCifiC0507 Ford only redid them on RWD engines. FWD engines are junk.

[@philipchavez9721]

The later model Saab 9-3 four cylinder has the same engine. I have done several pump replacements on them. It gets real fun on an all wheel drive model, less room, haha. Gm sells a much better tool, relatively, reasonably priced. He forgot one detail that can add an additional several hundred dollars. The pump is driven by the balance shaft chain. About fifty percent of the time the tension on the balance shaft chain needs to be reset after the pump is replaced. What happens is the bearing in the old pump gets worn, creating more play in the chain and the tensioner compensates for it. When you put the pump in the chain is to tight and will be noisy. It will eventually wear through the balance shaft chain tensioner rail. It would be necessary to r and r the timing cover and reset the tension on the chain. Make sure you keep the alignment on the balance shafts and follow the directions to reset the piston on the tensioner. Fun stuff, haha. One additional tip, when installing the pump, make a 6mm dowel out of a bolt and put it in one of the new pump holes. It will make it easier to line up with the suspended chain pulley. You can then start a bolt in the pulley and remove the stud. Good luck.

[@bbkmm1]

Somewhere on the internet, Scotty is shaking his head and says "I told you so."

[@Torsee]

Love the picture of the Chevy dealer he flashes when he talks of junkyards! 😂

[@JoshuasRecordings]

There are very few GM vehicles like this, the majority of GM cars are some of the easiest to work on. Scotty is a bumbling idiot that is wayyy too brand loyal.

[@CeeZee001]

GM makes a attractive vehicles but what's the point if they won't last without constantly throwing money at them. Say what you will about Toyotas simple design but it works time after time.

[@tonebonebgky2]

@@JoshuasRecordings no they're mainly junk and I stupidly purchased a brand new one last December, no problems yet (fingers crossed)

[@JoshuasRecordings]

@@tonebonebgky2 No, only the ones with eco tec engines are junk. GM V8s are some of the most reliable V8s on the planet. The eco tec ones are no worse than many engines from that time frame unless compared to Toyota. Go watch the Wizards videos on GM recommended vs. not.

[@Rouxenator]

Standard Opel design, I always did my waterpumps and thermostats when I did the cambelt on my Opels.

[@alphatrion100]

Lol Opels always had bad waterpumps and hoses. I remember my fathers kadetts and asconas breakdown because of it in the 80's and 90's. Cars werent even 7 or 8 years old at the time.

[@alphatrion100]

I became a japanese car buyer because of those experiences... Mazdas and hondas of that age are often still like new.

[@rinkkalex]

On my 2001 Astra Turbo Coupe it even says in the manual to swap out the water pump every belt service, it's only 50 euros so you gotta be dumb not to do it. Though I'm sure we never got the shitty 2.4 in europe and most chain driven Opel engines were junk

[@alphatrion100]

@@rinkkalex lol so the waterpumps were probably still shitty in 2001 Planned obsolesence...

[@rinkkalex]

@@alphatrion100 it's a 50 euro part that's supposed to get swapped out with the timing belt every 4 years or 50,000KM's, hardly planned obsolecence, the whole timing kit is about 110 euros for quality parts including HEPU water pump, I just always do it for peace of mind.

[@terencehawkes3933]

I agree with you. This design is shameful. Many other vehicles have adopted the timing chain driven water pump and its always bad news. Stupid design.

[@jordancapps9521]

Many would call it stupid, but Ford made the water pump on my 17' 2.0T I4 a belt driven accessory. I've never seen that on a modern engine, but like it.

[@richardcutts196]

My mom wanted to buy a car with timing chain water pump (Mercury with a 3 liter). I called the place she gets her car fixed at and asked what it would cost to replace a water pump (they said they'd recently done one). About $1400 if I recall right.

[@victorbarajas1395]

The automotive world will be better without GM and all the crap they sell to its customers..... I can't wait to see GM off the business before I died

[@burnerloco4138]

Chrysler and Subaru are a few more that do this. Subies you change the belt at 100,00 miles

[@atx-cvpi_99]

@@richardcutts196 The 3.0 liter had a cam driven water pump.

[@Evilthx]

I don't know, my 2012 LT 2.4L AWD is doing just fine. 90,000+ when I bought it. I have changed the air and cabin filters (both K&N), done a full synthetic oil change with filter and I am having the fuel pump and BOTH sending units replaced. I also pulled the plugs and installed new OEM plugs. I pulled off the throttle body and mass air flow sensor and cleaned both thoroughly. This thing runs like a top. I am also going to swap out the upstream O2 sensor with the OEM part. Every car needs maintenance.

[@geoben1810]

Yeah, "engineers" who design a car with a water pump that costs $1,000 to change on a working class level domestic car. I'd like to backhand them.🤤

[@dancenac4310]

thats why i have a 79 chevy truck 454 no cumputers and the water pump costs about 35 . bucks

[@markwilliams6378]

Or a drop kick

[@supersabrosinho]

The fact that you think it was the engineers who made this decision tells how little you know of the automotive design/ manufacture process.

[@tomservo5347]

I'm sure it looked like a great idea on the computer, since everything in a book or computer works IRL like it should right? At least that's what these egghead engineers learned in college and absolutely nothing about tools, hardware, and righty-tighty, lefty-loosey. Friend at work told me about an intern studying to be an engineer that was hammering lock washers flat because he thought they were bent.

[@gteixeira]

Working class? It costs a lot for most people.

[@christopherharris3229]

Next video : "Why Car Wizard won't work on Chevy Equinoxes"

[@M4rt_FX]

He's a Range Rover fan, he loves working on unreliable pieces of crap...

[@outcastprojects6733]

Heck, thats one of those deals where you get all the work on that particular type engine/platform area wide. and even the crappiest job gets easier when you done it a few times.

[@aaryeshg.6526]

@@M4rt_FX but owners of Range Rovers are more manageable for him. And they're luxury vehicles so there's a sense of respect to maintaining them. They are not a commuter car like this Equinox. Both are junk, but one is more respected and desirable than the other.

[@M4rt_FX]

@@aaryeshg.6526 BMW is also a luxury brand. No sense in picking it out as a brand. Just as many people by C class and A3s too for example, without the money to back it up. He’s trying to justify previous poorly made comments is all.

[@neilduncan8657]

Im sure the dealer is much more expensive

[@greghatfieldjr2658]

I really appreciate a mechanic that shoots it straight and keeps it honest and really has a heart for the customer

[@gregpearce3864]

thank you very much for making this video...When GM did away with the 3800 engine they cut their own throats... I knew the 3600 was a piece of crap, but I was desperate because my Grand Prix transmission was going out and the car was so old it wasn't worth fixing.. used cars we're at a shortage 4 months ago so I bought a 2015 equinox with a 2.4 out of desperation. Was disappointed to find out about the water pump but glad you all brought it to my attention. There's a reason they only offer you a 36,000 mile warranty nowadays.. and companies like Kia offer 100,000 mile warranty. That alone says something. If I could have found a low mileage grandma grandpa car with the 3800 engine you bet your ass I would have bought it.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

Kia and Hyundai are junk. They have major problems with their engines blowing up. Some of them blew up just out of the warranty period.

[@retiredsnowbunnyhunterx5106]

You probably should have just fixed that grand prix. Old or not it would still be on the road.

[@idrisddraig2]

May cars come with a "Remove engine to access" recomendation for soo many parts !

[@RwP223]

The engine has out lived the water pump, thats worth something. - GM fanboy

[@electronicengineer]

Nice ! Fred

[@Carta87Blanca]

My thoughts exactly

[@sevismith1607]

Yeah the fact it still runs is amazing lol 😂

[@billmelcher625]

/*cries in LT-1*

[@lilibethdoherty295]

Sinister forces are at work;"Planned Obsolescence"it is nine years old , The transmission is next!

[@epoxeclipse]

It's Chinese, surprised it made it 9 years. Don't buy Chevy, gmc, Pontiac, buick. I would buy a BMW over this pile of.

[@md2k8]

@@epoxeclipse I would buy a Mazda over any of these GM garbage.

[@epoxeclipse]

@@md2k8 too easy mazda is japenese, bmw is sketchier than mazda

[@graybeardproductions2597]

Buy a 22yr old rig. And make sure the correct wheels are driven

[@superrodder2002]

Yes, the manufacturers are trying to design vehicles that will last exactly 2 weeks past the warranty period and then explode into a pile of useless junk over night. Forcing you to buy another POS.

[@ronhamm]

Your remark about a $1000 water pump repair on a Chevrolet is spot on. People do not buy a vehicle in this class and price point and expect to spend that kind of money on a wear part!

[@christopherharris3229]

They do if they go to Car Wizard to get it fixed 😂

[@Theywaswrong]

This is not a $1000 dollar repair. Four hours at an independent shop will average 75 bucks an hour. A Gates water pump is 75 bucks. That's less than $400 including tax.

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

The water pump on my ancient BMW was 50$. There is something to be said for old tech.

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

Even if it was $1,000 on whatever chassis bmw you drive after it's done you get bmw's superior driving experience. You get what you pay for, & the majority of bmw drivers are mechanically inclined enthusiasts. On this $1,000 water pump job, you get your shit econo box back. And it's still a shit econo box.

[@alant5757]

@Classic BMW Guy In Quebec $50 for a water pump..? With installation..? Of course not. It’s the labor that’s the killer. I once had a Rat chew through a $4 wire on a Honda Accord and it cost $500... because of the labor involved getting to it.

[@mbmann3892]

Almost in the same boat. 2011 c-Class thermostat was 60$ took me 15min out and in .

[@sebastiaanhoenderdos7458]

The waterpump in my Volvo 940 went out, i bought a new one for 60 euro. OEM Volvo part including all the gasgets and seals, it's a cast aluminium pump housing and rotor with a steel shaft and flange for the V belt pulley, no idea how they can make it for that amount of money. It was a 30 minute sidewalk job with all the engine bay room you need to work comfortably, it actually cost me more time to fill the system and run the air out of the system than to replace the pump.

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

@@alant5757 No labor, I changed it myself. Some cars are simply not practical to own because maintenance and repairs are so difficult on them. It's why a wise purchase decision is not made only by considering how many screens the car has or how nice the stamped sheet metal is. It has to be reasonably serviceable. I'm not even sure if this data is available though? I drive old cars (1992 and 2006) and I know that I'd be hard pressed to find out which car is a reasonable purchase in 2021.

[@GandalfThaWhite]

Thank god there's honest mechanics in this world like you, Wizard. another mechanic wouldn't even make a video about this because he knows he can make tuns of money of idiots who buy these cars and have no idea what they're getting into.. hopefully you've saved at least 1 person from buying this Modern GM *Garbage* .

[@andrefecteau]

all GM is garbage...when will people learn that? Dodge is even worse...built to sell to the illiterate

[@Psych0technic]

Well, it's not that modern, and these engines aren't that bad compared to bmws and audis, which are known for their oil consumption. That's not a problem at all with these gm ecotecs.

[@markjou9799]

This is the main reason why I trade in my car 1 week before the warranty is about to expire.

[@Barbaratio]

Ford 3.5 V-6 in the fusion, edge, and explorer. As well as the ecoboost V6, they're quoted about 2K for a waterpump.

[@glennbeadshaw727]

Mind-blowing I knew those Vehicles were garbage but I continually see new ones every day this is the new Pinnacle of Automotive insanity.... personally if I was a mechanic I would almost start refusing to fix them

[@mistardoyle3042]

Wizard! I have a 2014 equinox with the 2.4 and the motor mounts are all good and the car is very low mileage but everything vibrates when at idle and the rear view mirror is almost unusable at idle too!

[@wolfshi]

Same issue, 😖

[@mistardoyle3042]

@@wolfshi it’s like the engine is up against the firewall lmao

[@aaronturner1072]

Could be a timing issue. Even though the later models (2013-2017) are a "revised" engine design, these still had blowby issues with the rings so much that GM issued an extended service campaign to replace the rings and pistons. Since oil is critical to keeping the timing chain tensioner and guides in place, chain begins to stretch out messing with the timing. At some point, you either get misfires/low power, CEL due to VVT issues (hint its not), or engine goes out of time and car is essentially toast. Bought one with a blown engine and replacing them with used motors is roughly what a whole used one costs and they are hard to find.

[@mistardoyle3042]

@@aaronturner1072 well I’m scared now lmfao and it is pretty sluggish like it moans and groans before finally downshifting

[@mysticstarhf9265]

That's nothing. Try the cost of a water pump for the internal, timing chain driven pumps on some Ford SUVs. Like 3 times the amount. A water pump on my Crown Vic will cost me about $40 to $50 and I can change it out in under 30 minutes.

[@electronicengineer]

THIS! This is my point. Why did the water pump ever need to get relocated to run off of the timing/balance shaft trains? There is no reason, at least none that my feeble, old brain can come up with, to not leave the water pump on the pulley side of the engine, like it was done for decades quite successfully. This is based on GREED. Plain and simple. Fred

[@TheGreg1010]

I had to comment! I laughed!Driving my 05 Grand Marquis,best cars ever!Panthers!,

[@EvilTurkeySlices]

@@electronicengineer the 2018 seems to have fixed that.

[@MrLuisinho90]

Some Hyundai V6 like the 3.5 also have the water pump driven by the timing chain.

[@mightydavid100]

It’s around 1500 and it’s worth changing it, they say you need to change guides and chain, but it’s not true, they are very well made parts and need no y replacement, I done many of them and to this day they never fail again

[@briangarity6336]

Wizard: “....and it doesn’t cost 75 thousand dollars to buy it” Me: “but it will to repair it over the years....”

[@serge4856]

170k miles , should have Stuntman from Neutral Drop fix this one. 😂😂

[@apprenticefelix7740]

Get ova here

[@maacpetzol2205]

WHATS IT GOT STUNTMAAAAAAAN!!

[@jacobgodfrey8164]

Had one of these come in leaking a ton of oil, took the engine cover and intake tube off and the timing chain has came loose and had worn a hole though the valve cover and that’s where all the oil was leaking from.

[@brycejames2127]

As a mechanic here in Canada, I have done a number of these . Parts and labour is only $500! CAD! 👍

[@mtnman1984]

How is it so much cheaper?

[@bettymaverick1098]

USA dollars or Canadian dollars. Hard to believe that great of difference. What is your hourly rate there? Wow...

[@cbruno12180]

Your lying or your hourly rate is 50 dollars and parts are used lol 😂

[@ChaoticDave69]

Yea I can do this in 2-3 hours he’s a wizard of high prices

[@cbruno12180]

@@ChaoticDave69 you also don’t have the expenses he has running a repair shop? He’s actually cheap I’m in upstate ny and local shops here are 125 an hour dealers are 165

[@frankgonzalez24]

With those engines, it's better to replace the water pump when replacing the timing chain and vice versa because those are interference engines. That's if the timing chain hasn't already been changed. So when doing the estimation for the customer, give them two. One for replacing the water pump only and a second for replacement of the water pump, timing chain and related compnants. Also, if a customer asks for an estimate to replace the timing chain, give them two. One for the replacement of the timing chain and related componants . Then give them a second estimate for the replacement of the timing chain and water pump. Explain to them that if they replace the water pump and timing chain, it will prevent major engine damage and the repairs will more than likely out live the vehicle.