A water pump is the heart of your car's engine, since it literally pumps water and coolant from the radiator to other parts of the engine. Since a water pump only has a few moving parts, it's relatively easy to repair it. But you may have to remove most of the cooling system to get to it, which may take some extra time.
Instructions
Determine the Reason for Water Pump Failure
1. Repair a water pump by checking your car for a failure in the bearings. You can test for bearing failure by seeing if there is any play in the shaft that is connected to the electrical fan blades, as well as the drive pulley to the pump itself.
2. If you notice any free play in the shaft or the pulley, you will need to take the pump apart and replace the bearings.
3. Determine if the water pump failure is due to a leak in the casing. Examine the water pump housing for leaking or water stains in the drainage hole next to the pulley.
4. If water is dripping from this hole, then the seals inside the pump need to replaced in order to repair the pump.
Remove the Water Pump for Repair
5. Allow the engine to cool completely before removing any part of the cooling system. Never open a radiator cap or plug while the engine is still warm.
6. Disconnect the car battery. This will prevent the electrical fan from turning on while you are under the hood.
7. Drain the radiator of all fluid and disconnect the radiator hoses. Collect the fluid with a plastic container and keep it in a safe place until you are ready to put it back into the radiator.
8. Remove the fan assembly. This will include the shroud, the fan and the fan belt. Disconnect the electrical leads for the fan.
9. Remove the pulley for the fan belt as well in order to have access to the water pump.
10. Use a socket set to remove the water pump from its engine mount.
11. Open the housing for the water pump and replace the seals or bearing as necessary. Some auto parts stores carry repair kits that have both the seals and bearings for specific types of water pumps.
12. Reassemble the cooling system by replacing the water pump, pulley, fan belt, fan assembly and radiator hoses. Refill the radiator with the fluid.
13. Start the engine to see if the water pump repair was successful. Check for leaks before you take the car out on the road.
Tags: water pump, cooling system, water pump, play shaft, pulley belt
