96 cavalier water pump

my gf's car just started overheating, i went and met her where she pulled over and the reservoir was empty, so i filled it up, and thought that was the problem, but i then felt the radiator and it was cold as ice, so it was not circulating anything at all

i thought maybe the thermostat had seized up, but i noticed it was leaking out of the water pump

so im thinking its the water pump--

my question is, is there any online guides to doing this? it looks tucked in there and i don't wanna just start unbolting stuff without reading up a little first

any responses appreciated

1) Remove the serp belt
2) Unbolt the old water pump.
3) Clean surface from old gasket and other junk
4) Install new pump with gasket to block
5) Re-install serp belt.


Honestly, one of the easiest water pumps i've changed in my life. The Ld9 2.4L and eco are all driven off the timing chains.

Its like a 2 out of 10... honestly.

on my 98 i removed the coolant resivior and the alternator. it added about 5 minutes to the job and made it a whole hell of alot easier

how many miles does this car have and more important when was the timing belt last changed? if your going threw that trouble might as well check it if not change it. leaking water pump usually indicates pump is failing or has faild

your overheating problems could be caused by a jumped/failing timing belt

http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528003cbf6

thanks a lot for the responses, its a 2.2l, the car has 83k miles or so, hasnt had a timing belt change


gonna knock it out tomorrow morning

alright, water pump is on, im about to see if it over heats in about an hour or so

the water pump seemed fine that i took out...it spun without fuss, im hoping it WAS the water pump

if something is wrong with the thermostat, how do you get that out? is it through the neck under the exhaust manifold? thats where i thought it'd be from looking at it, i couldnt find a repair book at advanced unfortunately

alright, water pump is on, im about to see if it over heats in about an hour or so

the water pump seemed fine that i took out...it spun without fuss, im hoping it WAS the water pump

if something is wrong with the thermostat, how do you get that out? is it through the neck under the exhaust manifold? thats where i thought it'd be from looking at it, i couldnt find a repair book at advanced unfortunately

http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528003cd06