You'll know if you either
I had a 1993 Mazda Protege` with this exact problem and once the pump got replaced it ran just fine. Didn't replace the water much after that.
You can tell by if there is a leak around the pumps impeller or the gasket. If there is a leak, then the water pump would need to be changed. Secondly if there is no pressure in the cooling system, vehicle is overheating. Chances are the impeller inside the pump is melted, the water pump would need to be changed. Last, if the bearing are worn out on the water pump which would cause unusual noise would be an indication for the pump to be changed.
Typically when it is leaking.
need to know where the water pump in at on a 1999 Pontiac grand am
I changed a Water Pump first by draining the Coolant and there are some bolts that need to be loosened to take the Water Pump off. Make sure you a Gasket on the New Water Pump and use sealant to prevent Coolant leakage.
Please be a little more specific. I need to know the year, engine and what your question about the water pump is.
as far as i know, no, the garage concerned should do all changes concerned with a pump change
you would need a tool which is called a pressure tester, if you see a leak from the water pump during the test then your water pump is bad and need to be replaced a.s.a.p
Need to know which engine you have.
First you will need to know what size the engine is. 3.3L or 3.5l? The 3.3L is an external water pump and easy to replace. The other is not so easy as an internal water pump.
No
From what I know about most cars the wisdom is the water pump and the rear seals. But, at least the water pump as it only will cost you about another $90-$110 if you do it with the belts and much more if you have to do it later if you only need to change the water pump. It's all about the labor and tearing it apart. This is the wisdom that I have heard.
Highly recommend while you are already there. Water pump will fail or leak before timing belt needs replaced again