Is there a HOW TO on replacing Water Pump?

[pmohr]

Originally Posted by blakshukvw I have a question related to water pump removal. I replaced one of these in a 96 max about 8 years ago but hardly remember it. I didn't use the 2 bolt removal method of the pump and still to this day don't understand how it works. If your threading bolts into the theads in the pump and into the threads in the block that the pump mounting bolts thread into, then how does this cause the pump to walk out? I think I tried it but found it was removing the threads in the block so I stopped and just used a prybar to get the pump out. You're threading bolts into the threads on the pump, not into the timing cover. The bolts that fasten the water pump to the timing cover are M6 (10mm head). The bolts you use to jack it out are M8 (12mm head). The M8 threaded holes will allow the M6 bolts to pass through and hold it down, but when you thread in M8 bolts, they push against the timing cover and force the pump out.

[blakshukvw]

Okay. I didn't know that. That makes complete sense. Thanks.

[ADHDadditiv]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibfs1Zu9h4o

This is the How To video for all 4th gen maxima's on how to replace the water pump. Few bad angles but overall very helpful!

[Goodspeed91]

Originally Posted by ADHDadditiv

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibfs1Zu9h4o

This is the How To video for all 4th gen maxima's on how to replace the water pump. Few bad angles but overall very helpful!

I used this the whole time!!

[Max_Gator]

His videos were very helpful and I used them this weekend on my 96.

Let me add one thing about removing the water pump from the car after you've pulled it out of the engine. He doesn't tell you how to do it. I figured it out after much swearing.

Notice that there are three bolts holes on three corners of the water pump and then there is a curved corner.

That curved corner corresponds to a curved portion of the frame rail. To get it out, you have to align the curves. That will leave you with two of the three bolts holes on the engine side and the other bolt hole on the frame rail side.

You then need to tilt it to get it out. That will take some playing with it to get it right.

Oh, and also expect to hear a rattle when you start the car that will make you think you screwed up the job! Just turn off and back on. All will be fine.

I did not remove the motor mount. Frankly, it really wasn't in the way. Not nearly as much as the PS reservoir.

Overall, this isn't as difficult of a job - especially with the video - as I thought. One thing though, you must have some wrenches. Ratcheting wrenches make it a lot easier. I have those. At points wished I had some longer ratcheting or offset wrenches too.