Killed a waterpump in 5,000kms...?

[vortex]

My VT V6 (5 speed manual) has around 176,000kms on it now, and probably 10,000 - 12,000kms ago the front belt started squeeking. Tracked it down to a rooted tensioner idler. Replaced that, then happened again in just a couple of thousand kms. Replaced it again, except the bearing was OK. Smooth as and no play at all. Still full of grease. Then the waterpump died, leaking from the impeller shaft. That was the original pump. Replaced it with a generic pump from supercheap auto - never expecting another 150,000kms from it of course, but now 5,000kms it's stuffed again. Worn impeller shaft. I would have expected a good 20,000 or more from it.

Something tells me there is an issue elsewhere in the belt system. It appears to be going loose-tight-loose-tight as it's running, which is exactly when the tensioner idler squeaks.. I haven't actually replaced the belt, but I don't think this is the issue to be honest. Could it actually be the harmonic balancer, not, um, balancing? I admittedly don't know how it works, though.. Also an engine mount or gearbox mount is stuffed, engine lifts and moves under power in 1st mainly and a bit in 2nd..

Any suggestions?

[Sabbath']

If your tensioner is flopping about then id be replacing the tensioner assembly

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

I'd say tensioner assembly too.