How to Change a Water Pump on a 1992 Chevy Cavalier

The Chevy Cavalier water pump circulates coolant throughout the engine to help it to stay cool. If the water pump fails, the engine will begin to overheat. If you allow the engine to continuously get hot or to stay hot for too long, the damage becomes worse and will be more expensive to repair. Changing the water pump will only take about an hour and a half, and all you'll need are some basic tools. Be sure to start this project when the engine is cold.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable using a wrench to loosen the nut. Drain the engine coolant into the drain pan by opening the drain valve on the bottom of the radiator with a wrench. Remove the serpentine belt using a wrench to turn the tensioner counterclockwise. Note the proper routing of the belt if the diagram is missing from the underside of the hood.

2

Unplug the voltage regulator from the alternator. Remove the alternator electrical leads using a wrench to remove the nuts. Remove the alternator mounting bolts using a socket and ratchet. Remove the alternator bracket using a socket and ratchet. Remove the water pump pulley by removing the bolts with a wrench. Remove the water pump mounting bolts using a socket and ratchet. Pull the water pump away from the engine. Clean any remaining gasket material from the mounting surface with the scraper.

3

Place a new gasket and water pump on the mounting surface and tighten the mounting bolts with the socket and ratchet. Attach the water pump pulley and tighten the bolts with the wrench. Install the alternator bracket and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet. Reinstall the alternator in the Cavalier and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet. Connect the electrical wires and plug in the voltage regulator.

4

Route the serpentine belt according to the diagram on the hood of the engine compartment. Tighten the tension on the belt by turning the tensioner clockwise with a wrench. Reconnect the negative cable and tighten the nut with a wrench. Refill the radiator and reservoir with engine coolant.