Genuine Pontiac Vibe Water Pump

Pontiac Vibe Water Pump Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Engine Coolant Pump Kit
  88973887
  Q: How to remove and install a water pump on a Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe?

  A: To remove and install a water pump on a vehicle, start by disconnecting the battery cable from the negative terminal and draining the cooling system. Remove the right side splash shield and engine drive belt, followed by the alternator. Then, remove the bolts retaining the water pump to the engine block and take out the water pump, noting the position and length of the bolts. Clean all sealing surfaces and remove the O-ring from the groove in the timing chain cover. If installing a new pump, transfer the pulley from the old pump to the new one. To install the new water pump, place it in position with a new O-ring in the timing chain cover and tighten the bolts to the specified torque. Finally, reinstall the remaining parts in reverse order and refill the cooling system, running the engine to check for leaks and proper operation.
• Engine Coolant Pump Kit
  88974712
  Q: What are the signs of a failing water pump and how can it lead to engine damage?

  A: A failure in the water pump can lead to engine damage due to overheating. Water pumps have weep or vent holes, and if the pump seal fails, coolant will leak from this hole. To locate the hole, a flashlight may be necessary to look through the space behind the pulley just below the water pump shaft. If the water pump shaft bearings fail, a howling sound may be heard at the front of the engine while it is running, and bearing wear can be felt by rocking the water pump pulley up and down. It is important not to mistake drive belt slippage, which causes a squealing sound, for water pump failure. To eliminate the belt as a possible cause of the noise, spray automotive drive belt dressing on the belt.