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I've recently completed replacing my cracked head with a known good one. Prior to replacing it, and finding out that it was cracked, I noticed a loud grinding noise at the front of the engine. I took it to the local mechanic and he said it sounded like the fan clutch. Since everything was coming off anyway, and I didn't know the age of the currently installed one, I went ahead and replaced it along with the water pump.

Fast forward a few months and everything is rebuilt, just being finely tuned. The grinding is still there. My current mechanic, a BMW Master Tech who has been with the company 28 years, now says it's the water pump. He used the screwdriver-to-ear method and deduced that the sound is definitely coming from there.

Is it really possible that an old, and brand new, pump could both be causing this grinding noise? It sounds pretty gnarly.

Often it's more like a squeal ......but:

Chances that the old and new WP are making the same noise is unlikely.
So work by elimination.
You have 3 belts. Take them off one at a time, starting and running the car between each removal. If the noise goes away, you know which component is responsible, or at least you can narrow down.
You can spin the water pump and alternator by hand and feel if there is any play, resistance or roughness.
Start with that and report back your findings.

Great advice. Thank you

AND, since the mechanic's analysis didn't fix the problem, he should deduct the cost till it's fixed!!!!!
I don't care where he's from; if it's not fixed after he said he knew the problem, he owes you!
Greg

I would normally agree with you, but he's working for free. My dad is his boss

Then, maybe, he owes you a beer?
I understand & good for you!

It's funny, but I've heard this type of grinding sound with alternators. Unfortunately the water pump and alternator are on the same belt. Might be worth putting the alternator on a bench tester like they have at parts stores.

In most cases, a bad bearing can be detected by hand. Just turn the pulley back and forth and you should have a smooth glide with no play. A bad bearing will feel gritty and may even be squeaky. It may also catch and release as you turn it.

The wheels and ck the bearings. Replace them anyway...

Well, it turned out to be a bad water pump. Incredibly, both, the new and old water pumps had bad bearings. Thanks for everyone's suggestions and tips.

Don't we love this website??

Definitely. I also love boobies.

Yeah to boobies....

Got THAT right!!