Cherokee conundrum

JEEP CHEROKEE
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DC HORTON
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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...
Jul 29, 2007 at 7:29 PM
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DPWD23
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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.
Jul 30, 2007 at 9:49 AM