How difficult is it to replace a water pump on a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am?

Answer 1

It prob one of the hardest.Timing cover,exaust manifold and other "hard to get at stuff"have to be removed in order to remove the pump.It is run by the timimg chain so it isn't your simple water pump change.Sorry.Shop will charge from 6-9 hundred$

Hutch

The last response to this question was not correct. The water pump on a 3.1 97 Grand Am is very easy to get to. On top near the front, it almost looks like a belt tensioner. Remove belt and 4 bolts in pully cover to expose the pump. This is one of the easier pumps to get to. Any shop should do this under $200.

Changing the water pump is a piece of cake. To change the pump (on the 3.1), cost me $20 at the auto parts store. From what I understand, the Quad 4 is a nightmare.

1.Disconnect the water hose from the pump, catch the coolant below with a wide drip pan.

2.Using a serpentine belt removal tool (long thin rod with a 3/8 inch socket) loosen the belt tensioner and remove the belt from the alternator

3.Remove the 4 bolts from the water pump pulley. You will have to use a long screw driver to hold the pulley in place while you turn the bolts. Put the screw driver between 2 other bolts to keep it from turning.

4.Pop the pulley off. You may have to pry it off with that same screw driver if it's stuck on there. Be sure not to bend the pulley though.

5.Remove 5 bolts holding the pump in place, scrape off the old gasket, put on the new gasket with some sort of gasket dressing or sealant and pop in the new water pump. It only goes in one way or the holes won't line up.

Changing a water pump for a 3.1L may be easy, and this is because of the overall engine design. HOWEVER; changing the water pump on the 2.4L models is a job that requires extensive work. This is because in the twin cam design the water pump IS RUN BY THE TIMING CHAIN. A qualified mechanic is highly recommended to change out a water pump, and this will typically cost 500-800 dollars. I paid $540 to have mine changed.