How do I know my water pump needs to be replaced?

[oceannf]

Hello, I am hoping somebody can help me. My coolant is leaking and I was wondering if it is my water pump? I own a 97 sunfire 2.2L, and I can see where the leak is occuring. It appears to be leaking from the hoses or something that is on the left hand side of my alternator. Right where the hoses are connected to the coolant resevoir, or in that general area. I am also wondering if it easy to replace on my car. IF anybody can help that would be great. THANKS!!!!

[ponchonutty]

Well, usually when a water pump fails, it leaks. Do you know for sure exactly where the leak actually is? It could be comming out of the "weep" hole and traveling down the hoses?????

[oceannf]

No i am not really sure where the leak is coming from, And i have NO idea what a weeping hole is. LOL I am just learning about my car. So any help is a great amount 4 me.

[ponchonutty]

Well, a weep hole is what it says. When the pump starts to fail, it will weep coolant out of this hole.

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by ponchonutty

Well, a weep hole is what it says. When the pump starts to fail, it will weep coolant out of this hole.

Had a similar problem with my daughter's '96 sunfire.
There's two weep holes on the pump, one above the water pump shaft that you can see, and one you can't because it's under the water pump shaft. The one you can't see is usually the one that weeps (leaks)

Just to make sure it's the pump, check all the hoses that are around the pump (1 large hose that goes to the radiator from the pump, and a 2 smaller hoses, one that leads off to the heater core and one that leads to the reservoir tank. If no leaks on or arounf your hoses, you probably need to replace the pump.