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Home » How-to » Engine » Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling » How to Replace a Water Pump

How to Replace a Water Pump

for all vehicles ( View guide for your vehicle )
Parts needed:
Water Pump Gasket Water Pump
Tools needed:
Socket and Ratchet Set Screwdriver
(Show)
Estimated Costs:

DIY Costs
Est. $114.31 parts only
Shop Costs
Est. $423.70 in parts and labor
Costs are based on averages for all vehicles.

Guide Steps

3 Contributor(s) to this Article
1
 
With the engine off and cold, o pen the hood and locate the vehicle’s radiator and water pump.
2
 
Remove the radiator cap.
3
 
Install a pressure tester on the radiator. Apply the pressure indicated on the radiator cap or in the owner’s manual.
Pressure testing radiator
4
 
Inspect the water pump for leaks. Remove the pressure tester.
5
 
Place a drain pan under the radiator. Open the drain valve or remove the lower radiator hose to drain the cooling system.
6
 
Remove the drive belts or serpentine belt.
7
 
Remove any hoses connected to the water pump.
8
 
Unbolt the water pump from the engine. Remove the water pump.
Water pump mounting bolts
9
 
Using a gasket scraper, clean the mounting surface on the engine block.
10
 
Install a new gasket and attach the new water pump to the engine with the original mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
11
 
Re-install any hoses and belts that were removed.
12
 
Re-install the drain plug or lower radiator hose.
Lower radiator hose
13
 
Refill the radiator with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. Pressure test the cooling system and check for leaks.
Radiator fluid filled
14
 
Check and fill the overflow reservoir with coolant.
15
 
Leave the radiator cap off and start the engine. Idle the engine to remove trapped air from the cooling system. Add coolant if necessary. 
16
 
Install the radiator cap.
17
 
Road test the vehicle and monitor the temperature gauge. If the vehicle runs hot, there may be an air pocket in the cooling system. Allow the engine to cool off and add the necessary coolant.
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GUIDE CONTRIBUTORS

Thanks to all the contributors who helped make this guide better!
yboy82 , stiggy , Margie Anagnos

 

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