How to Replace a Water Pump

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Your car's water pump does more than keep your engine cool. It runs your vehicle's heating and air conditioning systems, too. The pump is belt-driven and only functions when your engine is running. A tell-tale sign that your water pump is not working is when your car starts overheating because the coolant is not being circulated. There's no need to rush to a garage to have a new water pump installed. With the right tools, you can do the work yourself. Follow these directions to replace your car's water pump.

Steps

1. 1
   Check your service or repair manual or your local auto parts store to be sure you have the correct water pump for your car.

   
   
2. 2
   Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 1/2-inch wrench to turn the nut. Once the terminal is loose, twist it off but do not completely remove the nut.
3. 3
   Empty the coolant into a plastic container or a drain pan. You will find the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator. Keep the coolant in a safe place until you can dispose of it.
4. 4
   Get your car ready to remove the water pump. Use pliers to unfasten the alternator, any brackets and belts, and the pulley that is fastened to the water pump. If your car has a fan, pulley and fan shroud, they should be unfastened, too.
5. 5
   Uncouple the hoses, unscrew the belts using a torque wrench and remove the water pump.
6. 6
   Scrape away any gasket material left on the mounting surface.
7. 7
   Apply a small dollop of gasket sealant on the engine side of the gasket and the area where the water pump will go. Allow it to sit for roughly 10 minutes.
8. 8
   Install the new water pump and gasket. Reconnect the pump hoses and any brackets or components that were disconnected.
9. 9
   Connect the belts, brackets and pulley to the water pump. Apply a thread sealant on the nuts and bolts to avoid leakage.
10. 10
    Replenish the system with water. Mix equal parts of water and antifreeze during the winter months to keep the water from freezing.
11. 11
    Reconnect the battery terminal, start your car and check that the newly installed water pump is not leaking water or antifreeze.

    
    

Tips

• Water pumps should be replaced approximately every 100,000 miles.
• Gather and assemble all of your tools before you start.

Warnings

• These directions for replacing a water pump do not apply to all vehicles. Consult your service or repair manual for instructions specific to the make and model of your car.
• To avoid burns, never work on your vehicle if it is hot.
• Keep belts and hoses away from grease, oil, gasoline and antifreeze.
• An overturned bolt will stretch and then fail to apply adequate clamping pressure. This may ultimately cause the bolt to break or loosen.
• Antifreeze is highly toxic if swallowed. Keep children and pets a safe distance away from your work area.
• Coolant is harmful to the environment and must be properly disposed.

Things You'll Need

• Water pump
• Plastic container or a drain pan
• 1/2-inch wrench
• Torque wrench
• Pliers
• Gasket sealer
• Thread sealant
• Scraper
• Water
• Antifreeze
• Service or repair manual

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