Q: What are some indications of a failure in the water pump?
A: A faulty water pump can cause engine damage due to overheating. A coolant leak indicates a shaft seal failure in the pump, often visible near the pump. Checking for leaks in the pump's weep holes is possible with a flashlight and mirror. If the pump's shaft bearings fail, a howling sound may be heard, and shaft wear can be felt by moving the pump pulley. Don't confuse drivebelt slippage, which causes a squealing sound, with pump bearing failure. To check pump performance, turn on the heater; a failing pump may not circulate hot water efficiently.
A: Start by draining off the coolant if it is still in good condition. Then, loosen the bolts of the pulley on water pump, detach drivebelt and after that remove pulley and mounting bolts for a water pump. If not stuck, carefully tap pump out of engine. Also clean mounting surface on engine and water pump as well as bolt threads and holes where necessary. Compare replacement with old one to ensure they are similar. To remove V8 engine: follow same steps but also remove battery and battery tray for access purposes. When installing a water pump, position gasket and pump then tighten up the mounting bolts according to torque specification required. Finally, reattach water pump pulley bolts (for V6 engines), refill cooling system and check for leaks while running engine to normal operating temperature as part of reverse removal process.