1999 Regal GS water pump question.

[eccs19]

I replaced my tensioner pulley to fix up a noise that I had. Noise is better, but didn't go away completely. I removed both belts, and found that the water pump has a fair bit of play in it. I expect that the bearings are gone in it. It's not leaking (yet). I've read that it's easy to change this on the older Regals. What about my 1999? Didn't look that bad, but maybe something that I didn't see.

Thanks in advance.

[BNaylor]

Replacing the water pump is pretty much the same process. To maker the job easier you can remove the alternator and tensioner assembly. The main thing is the power steering pump will need to be partially removed and set aside to get to the water pump bolts on the left side. No specially pulley tool is needed to get the pulley off the water pump since the pulley bolts on.

[eccs19]

Thanks for the info.

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Replacing the water pump is pretty much the same process. To maker the job easier you can remove the alternator and tensioner assembly. The main thing is the power steering pump will need to be partially removed and set aside to get to the water pump bolts on the left side. No specially pulley tool is needed to get the pulley off the water pump since the pulley bolts on.

[eccs19]

Just as an update for anyone looking for reference. I changed the pump with no major issues. I did have to move the power steering pump out of the way. Took me a few minutes to figure out how to unbolt it, but you put a deep socket through the holes in the pulley. (2 bolts) I didn't have to remove the alternator, but I can see how it would be a bit easier to work with it NOT there. One other pulley did need to be removed, otherwise one bolt would have not been removable.

I also replaced the upper and lower rad hose. I purchase aftermarket hoses, and that was a mistake, they were WAY to small. I should have just got the factory ones to start with. It was so much easier to put them on. Bit of a pain getting to the clamps to remove the old one, but I did get them.

[BNaylor]

Thanks for the feedback and update. Good job!

I agree the OE GM hoses are the best replacements. Even the so called good quality Goodyear aftermarket hoses don't come close. I noticed in addition the preform was not 100% correct.

Yeah those spring compression hose clamps are a PITA to remove and put back on but IMO still beat the worm gear clamps.

[eccs19]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Thanks for the feedback and update. Good job!

I agree the OE GM hoses are the best replacements. Even the so called good quality Goodyear aftermarket hoses don't come close. I noticed in addition the preform was not 100% correct.

Yeah those spring compression hose clamps are a PITA to remove and put back on but IMO still beat the worm gear clamps.

I like the fact that the GM ones actually told you if it was the upper hose or the lower hose, and what end went to the rad, and what end went to the engine. What more could you ask for? Hard to screw that up.