How To Change Car Water Pumps

Learn how to change car water pumps and keep some of that cash in your wallet. Replacing a water pump is not the easiest job in the world, but it can be done. It can be rather time consuming, but there are minimal steps in changing your car's water pump. These steps will get you to changing your car's water pump in no time.

To replace a water pump, you will need:

• A drain pan
• Car jack
• Water pump and gasket
• Gasket sealer
• A wrench set
• Screw driver

1. Lift car and drain the coolant. Jack your car up so that you could easily place your drip pan. Center the drip pan with the radiator plug. Take the radiator plug off using a screw driver and let all the coolant drain out.
2. Detach all alternator, hoses, belts, coolant container, pulleys etc. Anything that is preventing you from getting to your car's water pump needs to be removed. In most cars, the alternator, belts, harmonic balancer, power steering and coolant reservoir is in the way of getting near the water pump.
3. Detach the water pump. There are usually four bolts holding a water pump in place. Take your wrench and begin loosening those bolts. Once the bolts are removed, then the water pump from the car should be removed easily.
4. Seal gasket onto the new water pump. Your car's water pump will not work properly without the gasket. Do not buy a water pump without buying a gasket before leaving the store. They usually should come together. Sealing the gasket onto the water pump should be done with silicone.
5. Put on new water pump. Make sure that there is no rust visible before equipping the new water pump. Scrape off any excess rust and begin bolting the water pump down. Once all the bolts are in, then do a shake test. The water pump should not move freely at all.
6. Replace all parts. All parts that were detached at the beginning of changing your car's water pump should be replaced. It is advised to place them the way you found them unless they were not placed properly. Also, be aware that there is a special procedure in replacing the timing chain.