1. Gather the necessary tools and parts.
- Replacement water pump
- New water pump gasket
- New thermostat (optional)
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers
- Socket set
- Wrench set
- Coolant
- Rags
- Funnel
- Safety goggles
2. Prepare your vehicle.
- Allow the engine to cool down completely.
- Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Open the hood of your vehicle.
- Locate the water pump. It is usually located on the front of the engine, near the top.
3. Drain the coolant.
- Place a drain pan under the water pump.
- Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the radiator.
- Open the drain plug and allow the coolant to drain into the drain pan.
- Once the coolant has stopped draining, close the drain plug.
4. Disconnect the hoses.
- Using the pliers, remove the clamps from the hoses that are connected to the water pump.
- Gently pry the hoses off of the water pump.
5. Remove the old water pump.
- Use the socket set to remove the bolts that hold the water pump in place.
- Once the bolts have been removed, carefully remove the water pump from the engine.
- Be careful not to drop any of the bolts into the engine.
6. Install the new water pump.
- Place the new water pump gasket onto the water pump.
- Carefully insert the water pump into the engine.
- Replace the bolts that you removed earlier.
- Tighten the bolts until they are snug.
- Tighten them in a star pattern, alternating between bolts, to help prevent the gasket from becoming misaligned or damaged.
7. Reconnect the hoses.
- Gently push the hoses back onto the water pump.
- Replace the clamps that you removed earlier.
8. Add coolant to the radiator.
- Remove the radiator cap.
- Pour coolant into the radiator until it reaches the "Full" mark.
- Replace the radiator cap.
9. Test the water pump.
- Start your vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
- Check the temperature gauge to make sure the engine is not overheating.
- If the engine is overheating, stop and check for leaks around the water pump.
10. Check the coolant level again.
- Once the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level in the radiator.
- If the coolant level is low, add more coolant until it reaches the "Full" mark.
11. Test drive your vehicle.
- Take your vehicle for a test drive to make sure the water pump is working properly.
12. Monitor the coolant level.
- Keep an eye on the coolant level in the radiator for a few weeks to make sure it is not dropping.
If you have any questions about replacing the water pump on your Saab, consult a reputable mechanic.
