2nd gen water pump R&R, how difficult is it? Options

[malecrod]

Hi Guys,
I think my water pump is going. it just started making this squealing noise yesterday. I was wondering if anyone has changed theirs before and what is involved in doing it.
any replies would be appreciated.
thanks.

[lagos]

Well from what i remember as i had to change mine after i rebuilt the engine cause it was leaking. Cam covers off, timing belt off, remove the alternator, remove the hyd tensioner, remove the pump. Then put the new pump on, make sure you get the OEM gasket which is metal well it is on the 3rd gen atleast, i put a load of gasket seal on the gasket to make sure it didn't leak, put the hyd tensioner on you will need a vice to make the plunger go back in and make sure you have a thin allen key to keep the piston retracted, put the belt on make sure you have put marks on the belt and pulleys to make sure they stay in the correct postion to keep the timing right. Once you are happy pull the allen key on the hyd tensioner which will tighten up the belt, be aware getting the belt on may be a pain in arse if it isn't you have probably done it wrong haha.

From there put the alternator and the other belt back on etc

These are good tips. Mark the old belt, that is really the key to saving yourself a lot of headaches.
If you don't have a vice, you can use a big c-clamp to compress the tensioner.