2004 Eco 2.2L engine had the water pumper driven directly off the timing chain, 1.4 L moved it back to that single drive belt system that is nothing short of stupid. New this when I purchased my Cruze, already knew I would have water pump problems again, but what the heck, had $4,700.00 on my old GM card, still cheaper than buying a used vehicle.
This is the problem, the water pump is the weakest link in the system, and experiences the same load as does the alternator, and mostly the AC compressor. The other newly created problem is switching from the old very reliable neoprene hoses to plastic with stupid O'rings on the inside.
If you AC condenser is not kept clean, reduces air flow, jacks up the high side pressure, and puts an additional load on those water pump bearings, when they wear, the seal goes. All this crap is not knew, automotive engineers have known this for years.
Also if that one belt breaks, you are stranded, no water pump, engine will quickly overheat and crack that aluminum head, then you really have problems.
Another major belt drive load was the PS pump, used brains on the 2.2L also drove that off the timing chain, Cruze does not have this problem, electrical power steering.
Another long term problem is limited lubricated ball bearings where the grease dries up and gets hard. In the Cruze, limited to the alternator and the AC idler pulley. Key augmentation factor is road spray salt onto these components. One good thing about the Cruze, finally added an undercover shield to keep that spray off.
But hardly owned my Cruze for a couple of months and they wanted to butcher it, just because a couple of idiot dealers didn't install the filter cap. Well the first mistake was putting the filter on the exhaust side, that was really stupid, should be on the intake manifold side, talk about a lack of brains and not thinking worse case.
Talked to a GM exec on this issue, you want to butcher my protective shield, either give me a ten year warranty on those single drive belt parts or a full refund on this POS. Got it in writing that I can keep my shield. But those two limited lubricated bearings still need preventative care. One thing in the automotive industry, no preventative care, just drive it until it falls apart and left stranded in some god forsaken place.
Still think back to the days of getting that nice 65 Buick, very maintainable, and only cost 3,000 bucks and was practically all hand made. At the same time a 20" color TV, very unreliable was 600 bucks, but with technology and automation, can pick up a far more reliable excluding drastic inflation, a 32" inch flatscreen for 150 bucks.
Auto should not be any different the way they are making cars today, but that cheap plastic Buick, not even close to that 65 will run you 40,000 bucks. What's the problem? The stockholders, a heck of a lot more concern about them than pleasing the customer paying for all this crap. Just telling it the way it is.
