Removal Tips and Hints
WATER PUMP REMOVAL TIPS HINTSFROZEN AND BROKEN BOLTS
Frozen and broken bolts are often a major problem when removing water pumps. Coolant can seep into the bolt holes resulting in corrosion and frozen bolts. Prior to starting the job, spray all water pump retaining bolts with a penetrating oil.
Upon removal, any bolt or nut which shows signs of corrosion should be replaced. The threads of the associated bolt hole should be re-tapped or chased.
Inspect the coolant hoses, drive belts, and associated pulleys. Since these components will need to be removed to replace the timing belt it would be convenient/time saving to have any necessary replacement parts on hand prior to removing the pump.
COOLANT HOSES
Inspect the hoses for the following:
- Cracks, especially near the hose clamps.
- Swelling, look for areas of the hose that appear unnaturally bulged outwards.
NOTE: This is often caused by improper removal techniques, see Hose Removal in this article.
- Oil contamination and soft spots. Oil contamination breaks down the structure of the rubber and significantly weakens the hose.
NOTE: The oil leak should be fixed prior to replacing the hose.
- Hard or brittle hoses, as the hoses age the rubber looses its resiliency and becomes brittle. The hoses need to be able to flex to compensate for the movement of the engine.
DRIVE BELTS
If the belt is cracked or chunks of belt material are missing between the cracks, the belt should be replaced.
Replace the belt if it has excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.
Drive Pulleys
- Verify the pulleys have no side to side wobble, and rotate freely. Replace if necessary.
- Verify the pulleys are properly aligned. Adjust or replace as necessary.
Belt Removal
Do not attempt to bump the drive belts off with the starter. This practice can damage the belt, pulley, and technician. Removing the belt by relaxing the tension will allow you to correctly adjust the tension when installing the belt.
DRIP PAN
Prior to removing any hose or the water pump, place a large drip pan under the engine. Although the coolant may be drained from the radiator, there is still a large amount of residual coolant trapped in the hoses and water pump.
HOSE REMOVAL
Prior to pulling the hose from the fitting, rotate/twist the hose on the fitting to break the grip of any corrosion present.
If the hose is to be replaced, it may be quicker to cut hose from the fitting.
CAUTION: When cutting the hose be careful not to damage the fitting.
A radiator hose removal tool may help free up stubborn hoses.
CAUTION:
- Do not use any device to pry the hose off of the fitting.
- If at any time a tearing or ripping sound is heard (though the hose appears fine) the hose should be replaced. The sound is coming from the internal reinforcing fibers embedded in the hose. Once the fibers have been broken the hose will be subject to swelling and rupture when pressure is applied.
WATER PUMP REMOVAL
After removing the retaining bolts the water pump may still be stuck to the engine. The original gasket sealant may cause the pump to firmly stick to engine. A few soft blows from a rubber mallet or block of wood will generally loosen the pump.
CAUTION:
- Verify that ALL of the retaining bolts are removed.
- Do not pry between the pump and the gasket. This may damage the pump sealing surface.
- Upon breaking the seal, a large amount of coolant trapped in the block will generally pour out from the water pump opening. Be sure to have a drip pan prepositioned.