by Marshall Brown

Created on: January 17, 2010

(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

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