pmohr

iTrader: (26)

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

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.