My water pump is showing the symptoms of a slow death (230k on original).
My mechanic is qouting me 240 bucks to change my water pump. I want to tackle this myself but I do not have the facilities to do it myself not to mention I am a little apprehensive. I have always worked on my cars (Maxima '83 RIP, '87 RIP). But this is my baby and I do not want to !#$@ it up! I am perplexed
I have looked at the How-TO stickies and other threads about this I know I could do it but ?????? Help me choose.

 

$240 is cheap. Usually a waterpump install will run you about $400

 

$240 is a good deal, if it is done right. I felt the same as you; apprehensive about tackling this myself. I read the write-ups and went for it, and I posted my experience with it yesterday. I would not like to do this again if I did not have to because it really is a lot of work for a first-timer. I would have paid the $240, but the lowest quote I got was around $400.00 so I did it myself. It was worth the learning experience, but there is the possibility of messing things up and dropping things inside the timing chain case.
Also, I just put up my "old" pump for sale. It looks brand new and I have new seals for it. I thought mine was leaking but it wasn't the problem, so now I have my car's original pump (with no end play or sign of wear; no corrosion, nothing!) and two brand new seals...PM me if interested or if you have any more questions about the water pump.

 

like everyone else has said $240 is cheap for this...it is such a pain to get to with the engine in the car. I would gladly pay $240 for this job.

 

$240 is really cheap.. does your mechanic know that u have to remove the tming chain cover and stuff? i was qouted $150 for my dads 95, and ended up paying $350.. make sure your mechanic knows the procedure...

 

Thanks for all the input, The I's have it my mechanic will do the do. My mechanic is on point and always on top of things for me. He may not have any teeth in his mouth(seriously no teeth at all) but he is one hell of a mechanic. Not to mention he doesn't do me like Pulp Fiction when I need him to do work I can't fit in my schedule. Thanks guys.

 

No you don't... who told you that?

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=308680

 

Yes you do, who told you that?

 

Uh...o.k. Allow me to save some face for you. Let's go back to Automotive 101, because it appears that you are not understanding the names of your car's components...

You do NOT remove the "timing chain cover" to access the water pump. You remove the access cover to the tensioner assembly the access cover to the water pump.

Get your facts straight so you are not misleading people. I just replaced my water pump a few days ago using the same instructions on the that thread copied above by aminus21. The timing chain cover is a completely different animal, only requiring removal if you are replacing the chain or tensioner guide or components that are related (and NOT the tensioner assembly/piston).

To aminus21: I have read that article more than half a dozen times, and NOWHERE does it mention removing the timing chain cover:

Class dismissed.

 

Were thinking of the same part, at least.

 

i called the dealer today and they quoted me 440 just for labor. i never intend for them to change it but i just wanted to see the insane price they wanted

 

yea but if ure car has a lotta miles and ure replacin the water pump...might as well do the timing while your close to it. my buddy who used to be a nissan tech is now an acura tech and he is doing all of my timing and water pump for 475. parts cost me about 275. pretty good deal in my opinion.

 

cam_honestiam is right. You only have to remove the water pump and tensioner access covers to replace the water pump.

 

which timing chain tensioner is it? i looked online at prices and there is a right upper and a left upper

 

My water pump has oil all over it. I noticed a couple of drops of oil in the garage. I wipe it up and a couple more drops appear a few days later. Then I noticed a couple drops of clean radiator fluid. No radiator and oil mixed thank god. Is my pump messed up? Does oil run through or near the water pump at all? Please help, thanks.

 

I was just qouted 480.00. Parts and labor.
The person that answered the phone said to change the timing belt as well.
I said its chain driven. He paused and wasn't sure. Said it must be a pain - it requires 4 hours of labor.
I hope he isnt the person changing the water pump!

 

Ya $240 ain't bad. It's a PITA, my friend's changing mine for me in a few months (mine has a little life left in it) for a little less than that (part included, of course).