2 Potential Problems With Attempting To Replace Your Car's Water Pump Yourself
After noticing that your car keeps overheating and making loud, high-pitched screeching noises, you may have determined that your car's water pump is going bad. In an effort to save money, you may be researching how to replace the defective part yourself.
However, you may want to reconsider replacing your car's water pump, especially if you have little to no experience working on vehicle engines and their accessories. Below are a couple of potential problems that may arise if you try to replace the part yourself without having a professional do it for you.
1. Getting to the Water Pump May Take More Time and Expertise than You Expected
One potential problem that you may face when you try to replace your car's failing water pump is that it may take a lot more time and effort to get to the part than you initially expected. On many makes and models, the water pump is located toward the bottom of the engine.
Because of its location, you will have to remove a lot of moving parts before you even reach the water pump, including the belts, alternator, timing chain cover, and even the head gaskets. You may also need to hoist the engine to reach it.
If you do not have the experience needed for the removal of each part and system, the time required will be more than you thought. And, unlike a professional, you may not have all of the necessary tools.
2. Removing the Water Pump May Involve Removing and Replacing the Timing Chain
Another reason to forego replacing your own water pump is that there is a good chance that the part is connected to the timing chain. Even if you successfully remove and replace the chain, there is a chance that the timing of your engine will be wrong.
When the timing chain settings are not correct, your car's engine will misfire, and you run the risk of causing engine failure. A professional knows how to properly set the timing, letting you avoid those potential problems.
If you try to replace your own water pump, depending on the make and model of your car, you may find that you have to remove a large number of parts to reach it, which requires a lot of time if you do not have the experience. You may also mess up the timing of your car if you have to remove the timing chain, which could lead to costly repairs if not replaced correctly. Instead of taking on the extra work and potential costs of replacing your car's water pump yourself, consider taking your vehicle to an auto repair service near you instead.