How to Remove the Water Pump From a 1998 Chevy Blazer

As a automobile ages and more and you place more miles on the original factory parts, the likelihood of those parts failing increases. In the case of the water pump of a 1998 Chevy Blazer, the major factors include proper coolant maintenance and the serpentine belt. When the water pump begins to leak or shuts down completely, the time has come to remove the old and install a new pump before the Blazer will work properly.

Instructions

1

Drain the coolant from the engine into a drain pan using a 1/4-inch drive wrench. Disconnect the battery cables using a crescent wrench.

2

Locate the water pump in the Chevy Blazer; you'll find it adjacent to the alternator near the front of the car, directly behind the pulley that drives the pump. Unbolt the air conditioner compressor using a 5/16-inch nut driver, and unscrew it using a number 3 Phillips screwdriver. Move the compressor so you have access to the radiator upper fan shroud. Remove the shroud using a 10 mm socket wrench for better access to the actual water pump and pulley.

3

Slip the serpentine belt tensioner using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet to allow easy removal of the belt. Remove the radiator fan using a 37 mm open-end wrench and the pump pulley using a 13 mm box-end wrench. You should now have access to the bolts that hold the pump.

4

Remove the bolts that connect the pump to the engine block and other areas of the car using a 14 mm socket wrench. You may find the bolts difficult to access, and it may take some time to achieve the right angle for the tool. Pull on the water pump; it should come out easily. Use a razor or scraper to remove the gasket from the pump connection.

5

Clean the bolts before installing the new pump. Follow the directions in reverse to install a new water pump.