Typically, every combustion engine features a water pump as they call it. It operates by circulating the coolant within the car's cooling system. With this, the pump keeps your vehicle's engine at running temp during its regular operation. Some can reach an automotive milestone of 100,000 miles without major repairs while others get worn out. Water pumps can wear out through lack of lubrication, through age, or because your drive belt is somehow tight.
You need to perform a regular inspection to ensure the water pump, which is the heart of your vehicle's cooling system, is functioning. Needless to say, it works through centrifugal force. If the pump does fail, then the damage to the car engine becomes catastrophic. So, how can you replace a water pump? This article will educate you how to replace a water pump, step by step.
How To Replace A Water Pump - step by step
Turn Off Your Car Engine
It is a great idea to turn off the engine and wait until it cool. Usually, you need to raise your car up using a heavy-duty floor jack and support it thoroughly with jack stands. Therefore, the car should be on level ground as the engine cools. Remember to use protective eyewear and latex gloves.
Loosen Radiator Cap
Slowly, locate and loosen the reserve cap or radiator to relieve the residue pressure inside this cooling system. This will allow the system to cool and drain more rapidly as you head to the next step.
Drain Coolant
As noted, the water pump is usually submerged in the car engine coolant. Therefore, you're supposed to drain down the system to avoid any spillage when unscrewing the water pump from the timing cover or the engine block. Remove the radiator horse or open the drain valve while draining the coolant using the fluid catch basin.
Disconnect Battery
You're advised to disconnect the battery anytime you're operating on the engine. This is vital because it disallows accidental electrical short circuits incidences by contacting engine power to the ground with a ratchet or wrench. However, you're required to record radio presets prior to this step guide. You'll need to re-enter the presets once you reconnect the battery.
Remove The Upper Radiator Hose
For easy water pump access, few parts must be removed first. In your car, start by removing the radiator hose instantly. Also, remove any covers or plastic clips to uncover the engine. You can use a channel locks (piece) or a hose clamp tool to do the stuff.
Remove The Upper Fan Shroud
Unbolt the mounting bolts that usually hold the radiator to the upper radiator shroud. This lowers the part of the shroud and helps an easy removal. In some cases, once you remove the clutch and fan blade, it will be simple to remove the fan shroud because it comes as one piece.
Remove Cooling Fan
In some cars, you'll find that the cooling fan connected to the pump while others are not. This is because some vehicles feature an electric fan that is attached to the fan shroud. It will automatically come out as one piece. When mounted to the pump, you'll be required to use a large pipe wrench or a pulley holding tool.
Remove Your Serpentine Belt and Pulleys
As you locate your serpentine belt tensioner, use the wrench or ratchet to apply pressure, then it will be simple to release the serpentine belt from the pulleys. If you don't master the diagram of the belt, use the smartphone to take pictures of the pulleys and belt to ensure easy installation later. It's recommended to change the serpentine belt when changing the water pump. To remove the pulleys, use a large standard screwdriver by weighing it between the center thread and the bolts. Make sure the bolts are loose, then lift the pulley.
Remove The Water pump
Now that you've exposed the mounting bolts and water pump, it becomes easy to remove what you've been waiting for, a water pump. Nonetheless, you may find additional brackets, horses, and covers that require to be taken off. But this will depend on your car design, though. Locate the bolts and effortlessly and use a wrench or socket to remove them counterclockwise. Be attentive to note the location of the bolts because some come with different lengths. This will ensure no problem during reassembly. Now it becomes easy to grasp and remove the old water pump.
Match The Old With New Water Pump
I hope you know the specifications of your new water pump. The specifications of the new and old pump should match. Check the gasket surface and mounting flange and ensure they are identical or they match. Additionally, the O ring and a new gasket will be included in the attachments. With this, you'll be able to seal the new pump to the timing cover or block, hence avoid leaks.
Install The New Water Pump
Now you're ready to go! It's time to install the new pump. You must prepare the timing cover or engine block first. In simple terms, you need to clean the sealing area or surface for the gasket or new O ring seal to mate against. While mounting the gasket, use a gasket sealer.
Finish Reassembly
Eventually, reinstall the fan clutch and the serpentine belt. Again it sounds good when you replace the belt as you replace the pump. Moreover, many mechanics will advise you to replace the coolant hoses, the thermostat as well as flush the radiator. Reassemble all the plastic clips, upper fan shroud, and guards. Mount everything and ensure everything is working correctly.
When to Replace Your Water Pump
Without a functioning water pump, you would automatically overheat. The water pump is catalyst to your car's engine. Although these pumps are built and tailored to last, they can break down. Thus, you need to replace a water pump. When the pump starts to leak, quits working, and makes unusual noises, there is a need to change or replace it.
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