Hello, I have a 1996 Cavalier and it's got a small coolant leak by the water pump so I figured I'd replace it. I called around a little bit and one quote was $250. I'm sord of handy and have a few hours on Saturday is it that hard? I heard it's just a few bolts? Thanks!!
Changing the water pump in my car?
The water pump on that vehicle is a ob-centric style that you rotate to create belt tension. This is a bit tricky and some people have broken the pump trying to tighten the belt so be careful. Look at the replacement pump carefully before you attempt to change it, this will give you clues as to how it works.
Changing the water pump in my car?
its easy just do it.
#1 tool you need is the Chilton or Haynes manual from the Parts store. DO NOT try without a complete teardown step by step handy.You may need special tools.Sounds like the seal is gone and fluid is leaking from the weep hole. It shouldn't be that hard of a job.
Bolts and a belt and a hose. It is pretty simple.
It's easy as hell. Should take about an hour, maybe 2. Depends on how 'handy' you are.
Before you replace the water pump, check your hoses. Make sure it's not them that's leaking.
Look in a good auto repair manual like Chiltons. The library gets them, if you don't want to buy one. Make sure there aren't any special proceedures or cautions. Clean the area and examine it well to make sure of what actually is leaking. Commonly a worn out water pump will leak through a weephole in its shaft housing where the shaft seal is- or was. Pay attention to the lengths of the bolts and if they are different sizes, be sure they go back in the right place. If the engine needs to have air bled out when refilled with coolant, read up on how to do that and execute that correctly.
Easy to do. Just pay attention to how things are coming apart, so you can put it back together. Housing is aluminum, so be careful when tightening bolts. Tighten each one a little bit at a time to ensure that the pump is not binding or being forced.
