How to Install Water Pump on Chevy Astro

by Aram Khayatpour

The water pump is the heart of your engine's cooling system. It is this pump that sends coolant through the radiator and into the engine block, where it works to keep the engine at the optimal operating temperature. When this pump is no longer working properly, the result is overheating, which could cause permanent damage to various parts of the engine. To avoid this, it is recommended that the water pump is changed every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, or as needed.

Step 1

Disconnect the air intake from the air filter housing.

Step 2

Remove the air filter housing from the engine.

Step 3

Unscrew the bolts near the bottom of the shroud and remove it. At this point the water pump will become visible.

Step 4

Place a large empty fluid container on the ground under the radiator drain plug.

Step 5

Unscrew the drain plug and drain the system of coolant.

Step 6

Use a serpentine belt tensioner to loosen the belt around the water pump then remove the belt.

Step 7

Remove the radiator hose attached to the water pump.

Step 8

Unbolt the old water pump and remove it.

Step 9

Bolt in the new water pump.

Step 10

Reattach the radiator hose to the new water pump.

Step 11

Screw the drain plug back into place and dispose of the old liquid properly.

Step 12

Place the belt onto the new water pump and use the serpentine belt tensioner and a serpentine belt tension gauge to set it to the correct tension.

Step 13

Screw the shroud back into place.

Step 14

Place the air filter housing into its original position and secure it in place.

Step 15

Reattach the air intake hose to the air filter housing.

Step 16

Refill the cooling system with coolant.

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