I was just replacing the starter in my 96 max and noticed a little coolant under the car. I couldn't see under the car too good at that time (will check better tomorrow), but did see coolant on the edge of the oil pan. How common is it for water pumps to go bad in these cars? I don't recall many posts about replacing them. I just checked the sticky and it looks like a pretty un-fun task to do.

 

that could be your water pump. I would also check the heater hoses going into the fire wall, and also the coolant lines running thru the rear of your intake plenum before you go after the water pump.

 

check the pressure in the cooling sistem.check radiator cap too.

 

My coolant leak was more in front, somewhere under the alternator area--that is the general vacinity where the coolant weep hole is located. It is not really the pump that fails but the O-rings.

 

I have the same problem, bad seals however it's got 169,000 miles on the pump so that means time to replace

 

I currently have the same leak and am trying to figure it out. If you do, please post it on here.

 

mine was leaking right by the edge of the oil pan... it ended up being the water pump. costly thing to replace... i believe the pump is $80, and labor will vary i think anywhere between $300-450.

If it's your water pump, flush your coolant and add in new coolant. If you want to really go crazy, change your belts as well.

 

Hi guys,
I did my water pump a few months back. It was a pain but because me and my dad were learning while we were doing it. I bought my pump from a store here called advance autoparts, I paid 35 plus 25 core for a rebuilt and a brand new was 55. If you got time and some knowledge doing it yourself isnt too bad. Otherwise your going to have to pay a lot for labor.

 

Thanks for all the comments. I spent most of Saturday working on my sons Honda radiator. Didn't get a chance to look at the Max, but will keep in touch. I printed out the "How To" from the stickies and read through it several times. It seems easier than I initially thought, but still not easy. I love the part that says be very careful not to drop the bolts or washers into the front cover. Gee, why don't you jinx me!

 

Can you post of what you have to do here later, My 95 max has 140,000 and I replaced almost everything except for the water pump. Total cost of what I spent...$1100...the items replaced: half shaft (both), lower ball joint (both), drive belt, starter, ignition assembly, oil change.

 

replacing the water pump is not fun, especially since you have to do almost everything by feel because of the location its in. good luck.

 

dude yall must be gettin a damn good deal on that waterpump.

waterpump (good part, not autozone) costed me 150.00....

then it cost 250.00 for the install..

If your going through antifreeze pretty fast, 1/2 gallon a week or if the resevior is always low then yes it needs replacing...
IMO-You cant do it yourself unless you personally feal like lifting the engine sideways which is how they usually do it...<not my bowl of cherries.

 

Many of us have done it and it definitely is no fun. When I first saw the coolant leak, I used Barr's coolant leak stop but that's only a temporizing measure. Sooner or later (usually sooner) you have to deal with it and install the thing. I forget what it costs but I think it was around $100 from an online dealer. I would definitely get a new one because with the difficulty involved, you only want to do it once. It is up to you how far you want to go to clear your access area--some remove the power steering cylinder, the motor mount, the belts, etc. A ratcheting gear wrench set will definitely make things easier but be prepared for some frustration. I'd rather drop the tranny than to do the water pump change again.

 

AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!

 

I'm really looking forward to this more and more... Think i'll just let it leak.. Not sure if these are nationwide but advanceautoparts has the cheapest parts usually........Online catalog is partsamerica.com Good Luck!!