Water Pump

I'm almost positive my water pump is going. For about a year now, I've had to check on the rad level about once or twice a week, to top it up. It used to be worse on really cold days when i'd run the car to warm it up. The last couple days, i've had to put up to 2 litres or more of water in it everyday. I drove on the highway yesterday, and it was fine intil i got off the highway. As soon as i hit the off ramp, the gauge went right up. I let the car sit for about 15 minutes, then drove it home. It kept moving between high and half way. I need to know how hard it is to change the water pump, as i dont feel like spending an arm and a leg to get it replaced at a shop. Does anyone know how hard it is, or where i can find out more info, seeing as i bought the car used and havent picked up a manual yet. Any info u can share would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hrmm... I have a 97 too, but i'm not having any problems with cooling, the only thing that I see sometimes is having to put a little bit of water, but i've been loading miles onto my car because I keep going out of town. But other than that, my car has been okay on temps.

Wish I could help, but i'm really not sure... do you have a mechanic that you could take it into to just have them take a look? hands on > describing, if you know what i mean.

Check for leaks in the system. Are there fluid spots under your car when you park? Check heater hoses and the radiator hoses for leaks. Is the carpet inside the car wet at all or does it smell like coolant? If so the heater core could be leaking inside the car. It is possible for your cars water pump to be going out. How many miles are on the car? Typically it is neccessary to do a 60K tune up which involves replacing the water pump and timing belt components. Do this every 60,000 miles to keep everything running good. Also it is a good idea to flush your cooling system out every once in a while this will keep it efficient and prolong the life of water pump and cooling system.

change that ASAP! i put off changing my water pump which ended up locking up burning and breaking my timing belt which bent my valves

not a fun project i might add