If your VW Jetta is overheating and your finding coolant leaks from the engine, then it might be time for a new water pump. This is a routine repair that many cars need as they near the 100,000 mile mark. Depending on how your drive, this repair might come sooner than expected. You can replace the pump yourself with relative ease.
Instructions
Extracting the Old Water Pump
1. Open the hood and use a screwdriver to unscrew the clamp that connects the negative battery cable to the battery post. Remove the cable. Jack up the car using an automotive jack.
2. Place a large container under the drain hole to catch the discharged coolant. Open the cap on top of the radiator and unplug the drain plug underneath the radiator.
3. Use an adjustable wrench to remove the upper and lower engine covers on the VW Jetta. Remove the accessory drive belt and its tensioner, along with the upper and center timing belt covers.
4. Turn the engine so that the number one cylinder is at the TDC mark. Loosen the timing belt tensioner enough to ease the belt from the sprocket.
5. Remove the timing belt guard and its mounting bolts, then the water pump mounting bolts and the water pump.
6. Take off the o-ring and discard it. Clean the mounting surface before installing a new water pump on your VW Jetta.
Installing the New Pump
7. Place a new o-ring on the groove located on the front of the mount, where it meets the water pump. Wet the o-ring with antifreeze. Don't use sealants or water.
8. Hold the water pump and o-ring in place as you secure it with the new bolts. Tighten them in any pattern with a torque wrench to 11 foot pounds of torque.
9. Reconnect the remaining components using the following torque specifications: timing belts guard bolts 15 foot pounds and the accessory drive belt tensioner bolts 18 foot pounds torque.
10. Re-insert the drain plug into the radiator. Lower the VW Jetta to the ground and remove the jack. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the post. Tighten the clamp by turning the screw.
11. Refill the radiator with coolant according to the specifications in you owner's manual. Replace the cap. Close the hood and test the car.
Tips Warnings
Don't spill coolant onto the timing belt during installation or removal. The chemical will make the belt too slippery to function properly.
Tags: install, water, pump, jetta, timing belt, belt tensioner, foot pounds, water pump, accessory drive, accessory drive belt, accessory drive belt tensioner, battery cable, bolts foot, bolts foot pounds
