Van water pump dying prematurely

[carreauchompeur]

Hi folks

I have a 1994 Hymer motorhome based on 2.5D Fiat Ducato van. I’m about to replace engine water pump for the third time. Whilst part is under warranty, labour won’t be covered.

I’ve only done 3-4k max per year.
Is this something my mechanic is doing wrong, or a fault elsewhere? I just can’t understand why it keeps happening. Coolant is fresh and belt not over-tensioned…Just really don’t want it happening again!

Dec 2022- water pump bearings getting noisy. Fair enough, age related. Completely fine. Replaced with a Febi part.

July 2024 pump leaking from bearings. Replaced with another Febi part.

Guess what? July 2025 gone again. Think a similar issue. Awaiting replacement.

[Belle427]

Febi are normally ok parts wise but i would say its the pump quality on this occasion if the belt isnt too tight.
I would not fit a third one personally.

[E-bmw]

^^^^ Wot 'e said.

Under your circumstances, I would be asking for a Fiat genuine part from the dealer, or at a minimum seeing what brands are available.

[Vsix and Vtec]

Yeah I think at this point I'd be giving up on Febi and buying Genuine Fiat.