99 Malibu water pump

[knah128]

Can anyone advise me about replacing a waterpump on 99 malibu. I 've been told it is an internal water pump that requires removal of the timing chain and exhaust manifold to replace. I assume this means it is a very labor intensive job. What can I expect to pay for this job??
Thanks for any advice.

[steve_o]

Is yours a V-6 3.1 L ?

I replaced mine on my 1998 and did not have to remove the exhaust manifold or the timing chain.

I did have to release the tension on the belt to remove it from the water pump pulley.

If I remember correctly I needed a universal swivel socket to get at the water pump bolts through the holes in the pulley. New pump, gasket and some silcon, I was not too difficult.

[knah128]

Originally Posted by steve_o

Is yours a V-6 3.1 L ?

I replaced mine on my 1998 and did not have to remove the exhaust manifold or the timing chain.

I did have to release the tension on the belt to remove it from the water pump pulley.

If I remember correctly I needed a universal swivel socket to get at the water pump bolts through the holes in the pulley. New pump, gasket and some silcon, I was not too difficult.

It is a 4 Cly. the water pump has a sprocket that is drivent by the timing chain instead of a pulley. Thanks

[knah128]

Originally Posted by steve_o

Is yours a V-6 3.1 L ?

I replaced mine on my 1998 and did not have to remove the exhaust manifold or the timing chain.

I did have to release the tension on the belt to remove it from the water pump pulley.

If I remember correctly I needed a universal swivel socket to get at the water pump bolts through the holes in the pulley. New pump, gasket and some silcon, I was not too difficult.

It is a 4 Cly. the water pump has a sprocket that is driven by the timing chain instead of a pulley. Thanks

[bcopeland]

If I am not mistaken, it is near the rear firewall? Seems like a job for the pros.

[mikept03]

Originally Posted by bcopeland

If I am not mistaken, it is near the rear firewall? Seems like a job for the pros.

I would also suggest paying to have it done unless you really know what you're doing. If you don't get the timing belt on there correctly you could easily destroy the engine. Unless it's been done recently, I'd also have the timing belt replaced with the water pump while its easier to access.