Replaced water pump gaskets today

I replaced the water pump gaskets today because of a leak . Fairly easy job . Is it common to have a leak there . Any of you had this ? My is only 4 years old . Rob

I bought a used 2001 with a 5.3L about a month ago, and had to do the same thing. Water pump gaskets, gas cap, fuel pressure regulator and now if I could get rid of the famous "clunk", I will be all set. I guess some people's definition of "works great" is different than mine. Oh well, I'm just glad I haven't found anything major "yet".

This was the only thing I have had to do that was trouble. Everything else was just upgrading . Tires,wheels , shocks , brakes, battery, plugs. Speakers are next. The water pump is only torgued down to 133 inch/pounds. No wonder they leaked.Rob

Rmbodie, you might want to double check those torque specs on you water pump. Mine said to tighten down to 11ft lbs (132 in lbs) the first time around, then go to 22 ft lbs (264 in lbs) on the second pass. I'm assuming that you were working on you 5.3 litre. Good Luck!

My haynes book listed 133in/lb , then 22 ? , no digits after the 22 . It just did not feel tight enough then either. I think I will retorque them before I leak again . Rob

I've seen a guy over-torque these bolts and warp the casing. Then it REALLY leaks.