Genuine Saturn Vue Water Pump

Saturn Vue Water Pump Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Water Pump
  55352002
  Q: What are the signs and consequences of a failure in the water pump for Saturn Vue?

  A: A failure in the water pump can cause engine damage due to overheating. The water pump is driven by the balance shaft chain on four-cylinder engines and by the timing belt on 3.0 V6 models. It is located beneath the timing cover on all models, making leaks harder to detect. However, coolant coming out of the lower timing belt cover can indicate a leak. Water pumps have weep holes, and if the pump seal fails, coolant will leak from these holes. To check for leaks, the timing belt cover needs to be removed, and a flashlight and small mirror can be used to locate the hole on the water pump from underneath. If the water pump shaft bearings fail, a howling sound may be heard while the pump is running, and shaft wear can be felt by rocking the water pump pulley up and down. Even if a water pump shows no signs of a problem, it may still need to be replaced as the fins on the back of the impeller can erode, reducing cooling efficiency. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the water pump whenever the timing chain or timing belt is replaced.
• Water Pump Assembly
  12630084
  Q: How do you remove a Water Pump on Saturn Vue?

  A: To remove a 4-cylinder engine, start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal and draining the cooling system. Remove the air intake duct and air filter housing, then loosen the bolts of the right front wheel and raise the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the wheel and the right front inner wheel splash shield. Take off the front exhaust manifold heat shield and the water pump access plate from the front cover. Disconnect the electrical connector from the engine coolant temperature sensor and remove the bolts from the thermostat housing and its pipes. Twist the coolant pipe out of the water pump and move the assembly to the left. Remove the coolant pipe and its seals. Install a special holding tool on the water pump and remove the remaining water pump sprocket bolts. Take out the two bolts from the front and rear of the water pump and gently tap it with a soft face hammer if it's stuck. Clean the bolt threads, threaded holes, and sealing surfaces, and remove the sealing ring from the water pump if reusing it. To install the new water pump, put a new sealing ring onto the groove of the pump and use a guide pin to align the water pump sprocket with the water pump. Install the water pump mounting bolts and tighten them, then remove the sprocket holding tool and guide pin. Tighten the water pump mounting bolts and sprocket bolts to the specified torque. The rest of the installation is the reverse of removal, making sure to lightly lubricate the new water pipe seals. For a V6 model, remove the timing belt cover and inspect the belt. On 2004 and later models, remove the timing belt, tensioner, and adjuster assembly. Clean all sealing surfaces of the pump and housing. To install the new pump, compare it to the old one to ensure they are identical. Apply a thin layer of RTV to hold the new gasket in place and mate the pump to the block. Install the pump bolts and tighten them to the specified torque. Finally, refill the cooling system, run the engine, and check for any leaks.