The leak is coming from the interface between the water pump and the surface it mates to. I installed that water pump with a new seal less than two years ago.





Would it be a mistake to only replace the seal? I see and hear no noises that would indicate the pump is going bad.

 

If its a metal pump then its just the gasket, if its a plastic housing pump it may be the plastic. Mine leaked at the seam which looked like the gasket.

Metal housing:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...8-no-heat.html





11517552836 is just the gasket:

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/11517552836/

 

It is a major PIA to get the water pump back in. It is not that expensive to get the water pump, idler pulley, and serpentine belt to do some preventative maintenance because you are going to be removing those parts anyway. Aligning the idler pulley with the mounting holes requires small hands - I paid my next door neighbor's kid $20 to get the screws started for me. It took her less than 5 minutes to get them all started and I had been struggling at it for over an hour.

I have done the thermostat housing and the water pump this past year. Right now the mini is sitting dead with a trans code that prevents it from being started - I am waiting on an appointment to take it in. They are slammed right now. Being a good Mini mechanic is excellent job security.

 

Was the part a MINI OE pump? If so and it's been under two years take it to the dealer and have it replaced under warranty.

All MINI parts are covered by a 2 year/ unlimited mile warranty.