Coolant leak from 2000 impala

I have a 2000 impala and it is leaking what i figure to be is coolant from the passenger side. the leak looks to be right by my battery. this leak caused my car to began smoking the other day. any suggestions

I have a 2000 impala and it is leaking what i figure to be is coolant from the passenger side. the leak looks to be right by my battery. this leak caused my car to began smoking the other day. any suggestions

leaks on passenger side is not good. check the water pump.

wash off any coolant residue. then on parking after a run with a good light look for stains.

check radiator for cracks.

You likely have a leak coming from one ( or both ) of the plastic 90 degree elbows that come out of the block just above the water pump . These two elbows are held in place and sealed only with O-rings and because they are plastic , they tend to become brittle and crack with age . These elbows are under some stress as they come out of the block and enter the idler belt assembly unit body and the coolant exits the top of this unit through straight screwed - in fittings . I say this from experience with my 2000 Impala LS doing the same thing . It could also be something else such as the water pump ? ****** A tip on reinstalling the plastic elbows ( if they are the problem ) , get yourself two 6 inch long bolts of the correct size used on the idler assembly ( I forget the size at the moment ) . You also have to cut the heads off the bolts so they can be inserted through the assembly and still allow enough room for the assembly to slide out away from the block . If I remember correctly , the unit actually has three bolts holding it but only two long bolts are needed to hold the unit up and keep it aligned with the holes in the block . Of course , you'll have to remove that third bolt until the unit is back in place . Insert the elbows into their respective holes in the idler assembly ( after you oil up all the o-rings ) , then slowly push the assembly toward the block making sure the elbows are lined up correctly then gently push the assembly until the elbows are completely inserted into their respective holes . Then remove the lower long bolt and reinstall the original bolt and tighten just enough to hold the assembly in place . Then remove the upper long bolt and replace it and the original third bolt in their respective holes and tighten all three down to the proper torque . While you are doing this job , keep your eyes on the elbows to make sure they are staying in the proper position so as to not damage them . The long bolts make a huge difference in handling the weight of the idler assembly and minimize the strain on your back and arms . These elbows are cheap ( about $4 for a pair ) and I bought mine at Autozone but most part stores should have them . Good luck with whatever your problem is !