How to Change the Water Pump on a 1997 Chevy Cavalier
If the water pump in your 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier becomes damaged it can affect the performance of both your radiator and engine as coolant will no longer be able to cool down the engine assembly. If this occurs you should replace the water pump before taking your vehicle on the road. Pick up a replacement pump from your local auto store.
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Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- Replacement water pump
- Torque wrench
- Drain pan
- Nut driver
- Screwdriver set
- Coolant
Instructions
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1
Turn the engine off and allow it to fully cool before beginning. Pull the hood-release lever on the driver's side of your Cavalier to open the hood. The lever is located below the dashboard to the left of the driver's seat. Locate the battery and disconnect the negative cable from the battery terminal. Use a wrench to loosen the nut which fixes the clamp in place. Lift the negative cable off the terminal.
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2
Place a drain pan underneath the radiator. Remove the radiator cap and drain the coolant into the pan. Use a nut driver to loosen the clamp around the lower radiator hose. Remove the radiator hose from the water pump.
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3
Use a nut driver to remove the mounting bolts attached to the drive belt tensioner near the engine. This will loosen the belt and allow you to remove it from the vehicle.
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4
Locate the alternator and disconnect the attached bolts. Remove both the alternator and its bracket from the Chevy. Remove the lug nut fixed to the water pump pulley tensioner with a nut driver. Take the water pump off its bracket.
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5
Remove the bolts from the water pump and remove the damaged pump from the vehicle. Insert the new water pump in the same position in which you removed the old one. Tighten the water pump pulley tensioner lug nut with a nut driver so that the water pump belt is firmly in place.
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6
Place the lower radiator hose back in to the water pump and fix in place with the radiator clamp. Tighten the bolt on the clamp so that the hose is firmly secured. Reattach the drive belt to the driver belt tensioner. Tighten the bolt on the tensioner with the nut driver.
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7
Fill the radiator with coolant. Attach the negative battery cable to the terminal and turn on the engine. When the engine has warmed up, the radiator level will drop; fill the radiator. Check the water pump for leaks. Turn off the engine and replace the radiator cap.
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