mechanics in my area want anywhere from $400 - $600 (labor only) for this job, so I decided I should try this myself before shelling out that kind of money.

I read the "how-to" guide to changing the water pump. I have a '96 Max GXE and wanted to know if anyone here has tried changing their water pump WITHOUT removing the passenger side motor mount. If so, how did you manage to remove the water pump cover? The Maxima manual says you have to lift the engine on a hoist to remove the motor mount in order to access the water pump.....

Also, did you change your O Ring seals? If so, how difficult/easy is this when changing out the water pump?

Finally, does anyone else have a write up on how to do this with more pics?

Thanks!!

 

I changed mine over the weekend and did not have to remove the motor mount to take off the water pump cover. It is a tight fit however. O-rings came already installed on the new pump.

 

What about the camshaft/crankshaft seals -- are these the same as the "o" rings?

Finally, how long did it take you to get the pump out? Any pointers you can give me?

It looks like it would take forever and a day to get that sucker outta there. It's a real tight fit!!!

 

Hmmm. I really don't know about camshaft or crank seals. I think that's beyond my expertise. I mostly followed the "how to" by Mishmosh. Getting the pump out was a really tight fit, but after trying several different positions it finally just popped out. Hardest part was putting in the new timing chain tensioner. It is all done by feel, not sight. After that was in, everything went back together really easy.

 

MAximalmax: you also managed to remove the timing chain tensioner plate cover without removing the engine mount? I can picture the water pump cover has a little more clearance, but I can't picture the timing chain tensionner plate being removed without removing the engine mount.

 

Camshaft and crankshant seals involves removing the whole timing chain cover, not just the 2 small water pump and tensionner plates. Also requires removing all 3 chains, and 7 sprockets. I'm not sure if the timing chain can be removed with the engine in the car. Anyway, this is a service you do only if there is an oil leak on one of the seals. You dont do that service as routine while you're servicing the water pump, too big job.

The camshaft and crankshat seals are not rubber o-rings. They look like a rubber seal mounted on a steel ring, with an circumference spring to help close the gap between the rubber and the shaft. Each cost between $5 - $10.

 

maximalmax how long did it take you to replace your water pump??

 

Yes, I was able to remove the timing chain tensioner without removing the engine mount. Small, but talented, hands I guess.

 

Including changing the thermostat and radiator hoses, I think about six hours.