How to Install Water Pump on Chevy Astro
by Aram KhayatpourThe water pump is the heart of your engine's cooling system. It is this pump that sends coolant through the radiator and into the engine block, where it works to keep the engine at the optimal operating temperature. When this pump is no longer working properly, the result is overheating, which could cause permanent damage to various parts of the engine. To avoid this, it is recommended that the water pump is changed every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, or as needed.
Step 1
Disconnect the air intake from the air filter housing.
Step 2
Remove the air filter housing from the engine.
Step 3
Unscrew the bolts near the bottom of the shroud and remove it. At this point the water pump will become visible.
Step 4
Place a large empty fluid container on the ground under the radiator drain plug.
Step 5
Unscrew the drain plug and drain the system of coolant.
Step 6
Use a serpentine belt tensioner to loosen the belt around the water pump then remove the belt.
Step 7
Remove the radiator hose attached to the water pump.
Step 8
Unbolt the old water pump and remove it.
Step 9
Bolt in the new water pump.
Step 10
Reattach the radiator hose to the new water pump.
Step 11
Screw the drain plug back into place and dispose of the old liquid properly.
Step 12
Place the belt onto the new water pump and use the serpentine belt tensioner and a serpentine belt tension gauge to set it to the correct tension.
Step 13
Screw the shroud back into place.
Step 14
Place the air filter housing into its original position and secure it in place.
Step 15
Reattach the air intake hose to the air filter housing.
Step 16
Refill the cooling system with coolant.
References
Tips
- On some models of the Chevrolet Astro it may be easier to remove the radiator fan before attempting to remove the water pump.
Things You'll Need
- Ratchet wrench
- Standard size sockets
- Socket extension
- Serpentine belt tensioner
- Serpentine belt tension gauge
- Large fluid container
- Coolant
Warnings
- Never work on the engine's cooling system until it has been given adequate time to cool. Failure to do so could result in serious burns.
