leiniesred

Stamped steel impeller vs. cast impeller?

When I pulled my original water pump at 122,000 miles, I think it had a cast impeller. I replaced it with a Toyota unit with a stamped steel impeller.

Now, I want to replace it again at 256,000. I went to John Elway Toyota, got a Toyota unit "Assembled in Mexico." with a stamped steel impeller. It was for a 93+ truck so I took it back. They would have to order the right pump and it was going to cost even more. I was appalled that they let me walk out with the wrong pump in the first place so I told them if they wanted to talk to me about it, I'd be at NAPA.

I go to NAPA, get the right pump right off the shelf and it is MADE IN USA with a cast impeller! The casting quality looks good, bearings feel good, and the unit features a lifetime warranty and I helped a working stiff in the USA like me keep his/her job.

I used to be "Just buy Toyota, their stuff is the best."
Now that their oil filters and water pumps are made in Mexico, I'm not so sure it is worth the extra money anymore.

So which is better; a cast impeller or a stamped steel impeller?

Thanks, LeiniesRed

motoracer47

i think its more a manufacturing cost thing than anything else. just changed my friends water pump on a 98 dodge ram1500 w/the 5.7l, 2 styles of pulleys, bolt on and pressed on, pressed on was cheaper for them to make, so they switched. the reliability of a water pump almost always comes down to the bearings failing, or a seal, or both.

kenwoodrunner

i don't know about cast or stamped but i have used two napa water pumps on different camrys i got a so far so good. they seem to be holding up well.