How do you replace the water pump on a 1995 Pontiac Firebird 3.4L V6?

Answer 1

Not a terribly difficult job, but takes a while to get to. You'll need a Power Steering pump pulley puller and a combination of metric and standard wrenches, sockets, and a set of vice grips. Parts needed are a water pump and gasket, any additional hoses and hose clamps if you're replacing those, and a new thermostat is you are replacing that (good idea to replace it all since you're already in there, especially if the car has overheated). Parts price list: Water Pump : @ $40 new Throttle body gasket : @$10 Thermostat : a few bucks gasket sealant : a few bucks Replacement hoses and clamps : $20-30 depending on what you replace. New coolant/radiator flush kit : $20 1. Drain the system of coolant using the petcock located at the bottom passenger side of the radiator. 2. Unscrew the air intake assembly from the throttle body and the airbox and remove from car. 3. If you don't plan on replacing the thermostat at the same time, skip this step. The thermostat housing is located directly below the throttle body and is a paint to get to unless you remove the throttle body. Remove the cover to the throttle cable assembly, disconnect the throttle cables (there are two of them), and unscrew the throttle body. Remove any hoses attached to the throttly body and remove it. Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses. Remove the two bolts from the thermostat housing and lift the housing to expose the thermostat. The new thermostat just drops in where the old one went. There is no gasket, as this thermostat utilizes a rubber seal. Reattacht he thermostat housing. 4. Remove the drivebelt. After you have removed the drivebelt, remove the belt tensioner as well as there is abolt behind this that you will need to access. 5. Remove the power steering pump pulley with the puller. Also remove the pulley on the water pump. Since the pulley will turn, it helps if you have an oil filter strap wrench and a friend to keep the pulley immobile while you lossen the bolts. 6. Unplug the spark plugs (taking note of where they go) and unplug the electrical connectors from the coil pack assembly. Remove the bottom coil pack to access a hidden bolt to the power steering pump bracket. 7. Remove the power steering pump bracket. This will come off as one piece with the coil pack assembly attached. 8. Remove the heater core bypass hose that goes to the water pump. 9. Remove the water pump. After you have removed all of the bolts, you may need to persuade the pump by tapping it with a rubber mallet. If you don't have a rubber mallet, you can place a block of wood on the pump and hit the block of wood with a hammer. 10. Clean the engine where the water pump will attach of any residue and gasket material. Be sure not to scratch the mating surface here. Carb cleaner and a rag works well for this. 11. Installation is the reverse of removal. Now is also a good time to flush your radiator, replace the hoses with new ones, and also inspect and replace (if necessary) the coolant temperature sensor located directly behind the coil packs. I think that covers just about everything you have to remove. Might have missed an inconsequential item here or there. Make sure everything is plugged back in (coil packs, coolant temp sensor, IAC valve, TPS sensor) and that all hoses are reattached correctly. When you refill the system, let it run for awhile with the radiator cap off and the heat blowing full blast to remove any air bubbles from the system. Keep an eye on the temp gauge.