Last week a buddy of mine replaced the compressor & filled it with coolant. The next day I noticed that ALL of my radiator fluid was on the pavement!
I thought maybe he didn't connect something when he worked on it but I was told that it must be the water pump. How can I tell?
The fluid is dripping off the lowest belt on the pasenger side-I can't tell where it's coming from exactly.

Also the mechanic I talked to recommended replacing thermostat seals, timing belt etc. while replaceing the water pump. Any suggestions?
How hard is it to replace a water pump anyway?

Thanks for any advice

James

 

just bad timing from the sound of it.

The mechanic is correct if you are anywhere near 60k since the last time the timing belt was replaced.
In all honesty when replacing the timing belt or the water pump you should replace the other as it yields a significant labor savings over doing them seperately.

 

Thanks for the reply-actually I did the timing belt about 3 yrs ago. So does it sound like the water pump needs replacing? I really don't know anything about water pumps-I have owned VWs until I got a Maxima

James

 

Swap in a new T-belt tensioner also if you would like to keep the car for some
time. You may also would like to change the front crank/cam seals as well.

 

<snip>

nevermind, Ive only been under the hood of a VE

 

when you replace the water pump, go for the oe nissan pump. I went for a new aftermarket pump (on my pathfinder) and got a whole lot of unwanted practice.

 

http://members.csinet.net/tisch/maxima/
here are directions for a VE engine, but it should be pretty similar. sounds like your pump/seal is failing. the difference btw the VE and VG is that you don't have to replace the timing chain in a VE, but you should probably replace that pump, timing belt and tensioner, thermostat. the belt will be the hardest to replace and if you're not totally sure on it, it's probably best to have a reliable mechanic do it. labor is expensive $300-400 at nissan dealers.

 

I feel for you bro. I just did the water pump thing last month..............it sucked. If you know somebody with a lift you will save alot of time and backache.

ghostmax pretty much laid it out for you, just keep in mind if you tighten the tensioner too much you will get a humming sound at idle.

GL

 

my water pump was leaking, not too hard of a job on my 89 tho, bout 2 hrs with no lift or anything.

 

excessive play, leaking, noises, lots of resistance/seized.