2.4 water pump

I have a 1996 2.4 that needs a water pump. I am told that the exhaust manifold also has to be removed to replace the pump. Could someone tell me if this is right? Thanks.

iv got a 1994 and a 1992 grand am and iv pulled the water pump on both. you dont have to pull the exhaust manifold but it makes it alot easier, its a pain to try and work around it but it can be done,....note the water pumps have steel impellers usually they wont go bad unless the bearings went out could be a cracked head or thermostat if the cars overheating.....Good Luck

Thanks lefty, I am going to try it without removing the manifold.

You can get it out without doing so, but GM suggests you do. The proceedure is different between the 2.3 in the 93-94 models than it is for the 2.4 in the 96-up. I've heard the 2.4 is a bitch of a job, so make sure you know what you're doing, because if I remember correctly, your 2.4 water pump is driven by the timing chain, and is not for the typical shade tree mechanic.