How do you replace the water pump on a 1995 Pontiac Bonneville?

Answer 1

I just replaced the water pump on my 1996 Bonneville with the 3800 engine. I'm not real experienced with working under the hood, but I managed to get it done in an hour or so with little trouble. You'll need a socket/ratchet set with an extension, some open-ended box wrenches, and it might help to have a special compound to put on the gasket of the new pump when you put it on. I can't offer a full list of steps in order (this was my first time and I had some help), but here are some tips to keep in mind:

-Make sure you have a clear diagram of the serpentine belt before you take it off. Your Bonneville user's manual (if you have one) should have it in there, otherwise you can draw a picture of it yourself before you remove it, or better yet, check a Chilton or Haynes manual at the library. This is important.

-On mine I also had to remove the starter to get at one of the bolts on the water pump.

-Once the old pump comes off, be ready for some water/fluid to drain out.

-Unless your model is different from mine, you shouldn't even need to get under the vehicle for the replacement.

-The pump I bought was $40; you might even find one for less.

-It may help to have an extra set of hands to put the belt back on at the end. By the way, this would be a good time to replace your belt if it needs it.

-You'll want to flush your coolant system once the replacement is done.