An auxiliary drive system for a water pump includes a pump housing that is mounted to an engine block. The pump housing includes an impeller shaft that passes therethrough. One end of the impeller shaft has an impeller mounted thereon, which is part of the water pump. A second end of the impeller shaft is supported by an internal bearing to allow for rotation of the impeller shaft. An external bearing is disposed around, but not in contact with the impeller shaft or the internal bearing. The external bearing is in communication with and is driven by an engine belt, such as a timing belt, which helps rotate the impeller shaft and the impeller in accordance with engine operation. A collapsible gear is disposed between and effectuates engagement of the external bearing and the impeller shaft such that if the amount of force required to be exerted by the belt exceeds a certain predetermined threshold, the collapsible gear fails and thereby prevents damage to the engine.