Water Pump Made Easy
(Note: Be sure engine is cool before proceeding.)
Functions Of A Water Pump
The water pump is the lifeline of your vehicle. It's basic function is to keep the engine cool by circulating coolant from the engine into the radiator to keep the temperature of the engine at an operating level. In the winter, it helps furnish heat to your heating core as well. Before diagnosing problems with your water pump, you may want to check the thermostat for malfunctions. (Located on the top of your engine where the upper radiator hose connects to the engine, requiring you to remove two bolts.
General signs of the water-pump not functioning properly is over-heating of the engine, that can result in the engine seizing. The best thing to do when your engine begins to overheat, is to stop the car and turn off the engine. Be prepared to have it towed home, for further diagnosis.
Tools you'll need to begin replacement of your water pump:
Socket set
Wrenches
Pliers
Flat-tip screwdriver
Drain pan
Rags
Gasket sealer/maker
Antifreeze (2 gallons)
Jack/Stands or Ramps
(A good tip for anyone is to have a automotive manual for the make and model of your car for specifics.)
Step 1: Draining coolant
After raising your vehicle, on the underside of the engine you will find the lower radiator hose that runs from the water pump to the radiator. Be sure to place the drain pan under the connection closest to the engine block for optimum drainage of both the radiator and the engine block. When fully drained, completely remove lower hose for easier access to the water pump.
Step 2: Loosening the drive belt
Before you can remove the water pump, you have to loosen the drive belt. There are one of two ways that you can do this. One is whether you have a serpentine belt or a circumventing belt. If your belt “snakes” around all components of the drive system of your engine, you have a serpentine belt which usually has a tension pulley mounted on the top of your engine block. This pulley pushes down on the top of the belt to create tension. By simply placing a long screwdriver between the pulley and the mount, you can easily pry the tension pulley up. (A tire iron comes in handy for this as well.) If you cannot locate a tension pulley, then your tension is caused by the alternator. By loosening the mounting bolts on the rear of the alternator, you can relieve the tension on the drive belt.
Step 3: Removing Obstacles
There are different components for each various type of vehicle that need to be removed in order to access the water pump. Number one is the fan and the fan shroud around the radiator. (Note: If your vehicle is equipped with an airbag, you will want to disconnect the battery and pull the fuse for the airbag. Be sure to replace the fuse when finished.) If there are any brackets or obstructions in front of the water pump, be sure to remove them. Some models require you to remove the radiator, if you have little room between the water pump and the radiator; sorry, you will need to remove the radiator. You may feel like you're going out of your way needlessly, but you will profit from taking the extra step to keep headaches at bay.
Step 4: Removing the water pump
First you must remove the retaining bolts that fasten the water pump to the engine block. Once these have been removed you can pull the water pump free of the engine block. (Do not pry with a screwdriver, as this can deform the surface of the block and cause leaks and gasket failure.) Be sure to clean the mounting surface by scraping off the old gasket, debris, or sealant. Be sure that nothing falls into the cavity of the engine block.
Step 5: Installing a water pump
Before placing the gasket on the mounting surface, apply a small amount of gasket sealant/maker on the surface. Next, apply the gasket in place, being sure to line up the holes of the gasket with that of the mounting surface. Place a generous amount of gasket sealer/maker on the gasket facing the water pump. Before placing the water pump onto the gasket, let me give you a small tip I have learned from experience. Place two bolts, one at the top of the new pump and one diagonal to it on the opposite side. This will ensure that you don't damage the new gasket or allow it to slip out of place. For installation, follow the steps in reverse.
