Can someone please give me step by step instructions on how to change the water pump in my car?

Question

I have a 2001 Ford Focus LE I am going to try to change it myself and no absolutely nothing about doing so. I will need a thorough step by step instruction rule. Pleas do not suggest I buy a manual or take it to a garage. I am a single mom, and haven't got the money to pay for any extras. Please only answer if you can sincerely help. Thank you so much.

Sorry, it is a 4 cyl engine.

Awww okay thank you. While they're not the answers I was hoping to receive I cannot afford to make mistakes since this would cost me a great deal more. I was hoping it would be something simple enough I could do on my own. Unfortunately the check engine light, due to the failing water pump, is keeping me from getting the car to pass inspection. Thank so much for your replies.

I have very little comprehension on what Mr T said but since he/she attempted to give what I was looking for I will rate that answer best answer. I live in NY and have very limited family/friend resources since the majority are females as well.

the email or yahoo id is [e-mail] pls only if you can at least provide some help that I can maybe get a friend to help me do. Most of my friends are females and the ones who aren't are not mechanically inclined lol

Answer 1

the tools you need may be pricey you need to chainge a timing belt ill give you the info if you want it let me know

i never herd of a check engine light on because of a water pump you may have a different problem there i would get a second opinion is it saying your temp is to cold\hot try a sending unit low colant look for a leak
before you vote whose best you can choose him the best if you want but he left out the tecnial info of why we reccomended you not do it you need to get the crank pully off this will require an impact gun or a braker bar you may or not need to remove the mount but you will need to remove the timing belt mark it well before you take it off as it needs to go back exactly as even 1 tooth off will cause a problem that can do hundreds of dollars in dammages there are tensioneers to check and possible oil seals that may need to be replaced i think thats why we recomend you take it in as it is hard to explain all the techinal stuff in a short note where you need a 20 page book you can get a chiltons manuel that will walk you through it plan on spending all day on it it takes me 5 hours to do it

just be happy you dont have a newer ford


in 2002 or 2004 they made things worse they have specila tools required to keep it in time before you can even loosen the crank bolt
the at home do it yourselfere will be doing $1500 in damage the second they loosen that bolt i wont be working on that engine and ive been working on cars as a shop owner 21 years

Answer 2

1. Raise the vehicle & place on jack stands

2. Drain the coolant from the radiator

3. Remove the front engine mount

4. Raise the engine slightly by placing a 2X6 on a floor jack, place under oil pan

5. Remove the serpentine belt. You may need someone to help you, releasing the idler pulley is rather tough. If no routing decal, take a digital photo or draw a map.

6. Remove the water pump

7. Thoroughly clean any gasket material from the block.

8. Assemble in reverse order

9. When refilling the coolant [50/50 mix], if possible remove a heater hose to allow any trapped air to escape.

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Answer 3

To really know for sure you should test your water. You need to do frequent enough water changes to keep ammonia and nitrite at 0 and nitrate below 20ppm. The minimum even if all levels stay 0 is 10% a week to help maintain water chemistry and keep a regular schedule. If you are cycling with fish (the first couple of months if you did not doa fishless cycle) will need an aggressive schedule like your current schedule. Once the tank cycles, about 25% a week is average, but again adjust as needed per your water test results. On a cycled tank ammonia and nitrite are always 0 and the main focus is to keep the nitrate low.

Answer 4

I agree with Gimpy. If you don't know how to do it then you need to find someone who does and can either (a) walk you through it, or (b) do it for you. Changing a water pump is complicated, and if you do it wrong it'll cost you a heck of a lot more money in the long run. If you don't know anyone who can help then you need to spend the $25.00 or so on a Haynes Manual for your Focus. You DO NOT want to screw it up, and there's no way anyone here could give you written instructions on how to do it.

Answer 5

I agree with all the others before me. It's not an easy task to try to explain, especially if you don't know the engine parts etc. that have to be removed before you can even get to your water pump. Ask friends and/ or family to help you out. If you're anywhere in east Tennessee, I'll help you myself.

Answer 6

i could show how to do it but it would require me the time to copy the instructions and it could be complicated job for a beginer because it requires the removal of the timing belt
i dont know where to send the info eather
i didnt understand it was u trying to contact me email is same as name @ yahoo
i anm an experianced mechanic for over 25 years

Answer 7

Sincerely help? You bet. DON'T try this on your own. Ask friends/family/co-workers for the name of a good honest mechanic.

Answer 8

have a friend do it. Too complicated to explain over the comp. If not done right...it can ruin the engine.