Here's why it's unlikely to be *just* the pump:
* Location of the leak: The leak is on the passenger side, which is where the radiator's lower hose connection and the radiator itself are located. The water pump is usually on the engine block, further back.
* Immediate Pouring: A failing water pump would likely lead to overheating and eventual leaks, but not necessarily an immediate, large-volume spill.
More likely culprits:
* Radiator leak: A crack or hole in the radiator itself, especially in the lower passenger side area.
* Lower radiator hose: The hose connecting the radiator to the engine block might be loose, cracked, or disconnected. This is a common point of failure.
* Radiator tank: The plastic tanks at the top and bottom of the radiator can crack.
* Other hose connection: Any hose nearby could have a leak, such as heater core hose (though that is less common to spill this way).
Before assuming it's the water pump, carefully inspect:
1. The lower radiator hose and its connections: Check for cracks, leaks, and tightness.
2. The radiator itself: Look closely for cracks, especially near the bottom passenger-side tank.
3. All hoses and clamps: Don't only focus on the radiator hoses; check any hoses and clamps in that vicinity that may have developed a leak.
If you don't find a visible leak, then you can start suspecting more internal issues, including the water pump. However, a visual inspection should identify the likely cause in the majority of cases.
