How to Replace a Nissan Xterra's Water Pump

The water pump receives engine coolant from a vehicle's radiator, screens it and then supplies it to the engine to maintain ideal operating temperatures. For most models of the Xterra, the water pump is not too difficult to access. Make sure you have at least a few hours of time before beginning the procedure.

Things You'll Need:

• Pliers
• Socket wrench set
• Drain pan
• Liquid gasket (four cylinders)
• Water pump O-ring (six cylinder)
• Torque wrench
• Replacement water pump
• New engine coolant (optional)

1. Allow the Xterra to sit for 30 minutes prior to performing procedure

Allow the Xterra to sit for 30 minutes prior to performing procedure to let the engine cool off. Disconnect the negative battery cable and engage the parking brake, for safety.

2. Place the drain pan under the radiator and drain the coolant

Place the drain pan under the radiator and drain the coolant; set aside. Keep the engine coolant away from animals and children.

3. Remove the Xterra's cooling fan shroud

Remove the Xterra's cooling fan shroud to allow easier access to the engine bay. Remove the accessory belt from the water pump pulley.

4. Remove the water pump pulley, and then remove the five bolts mounting the water pump

Remove the water pump pulley, and then remove the five bolts mounting the water pump. If the vehicle is equipped with the V-6 engine, remove the O-ring gasket and discard. Xterras equipped with the four-cylinder engine do not use O-rings for the water pump.

5. Apply the liquid sealant to the new water pump (four cylinder)

Apply the liquid sealant to the new water pump (four cylinder). Fill the indentation around the back of the pump. For V-6 engines, fit the new O-ring gasket to the water pump's mounting point.

6. Attach the water pump with the torque wrench

Attach the water pump with the torque wrench. Tighten the bolts to between 12 and 15 foot-pounds. Reattach the water pump pulley and the accessory belt. Install the cooling fan shroud back in its place.

7. Check the coolant you drained from the Xterra's radiator

Check the coolant you drained from the Xterra's radiator. If the coolant is contaminated or dirty, replace it. Contaminated cooling can damage a new water pump. Refill the coolant level and start the engine to check for leaks from the radiator and the water pump.

Tips and Warnings

Nissan Xterra four cylinders are labeled 2.4-liter; the V-6 is either labeled 3.3-liter or 4.0-liter.

Some Xterra models, such as supercharged models or four-wheel drives, may have additional parts to remove to access the water pump. Remove these parts as needed, just remember to mark the location and keep up with the hardware.

Video: How to Replace the Water Pump on a Nissan Xterra

Comments on this video:

• A little heads up for you guys. Keep rotating the crank pulley with depressed tensioner until you see/hear the cam flop over. Otherwise, there will not be enough room to slip the wp out as easily as depicted.
• Your videos have been a godsend, thank you so much for all you do. That said, I've noticed several videos where the actual removal of a part was not filmed. I understand that you can't exactly hold a camera in the right place and remove something like this at the same time, but man... It would be great if you found a way to edit these things in. I changed the head gaskets on my 2005 Xterra SE over the last few weeks, and when I got everything put back together, I had a coolant leak coming out of the weephole behind the water pump. Now I can't get the chain slack enough to pull it out and it's about to the point I'm just gonna take the whole damn timing chain cover back off! I'll skim the comments to see if there are any other tips added, and really, your videos have been such a blessing.