1. Gather Tools and Parts:
- Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)
- Socket and wrench sets
- Gasket scraper or putty knife
- New water pump (with gasket and bolts)
- Pliers
- Funnel
- Coolant mixture
- Water Pump Lubricant (optional)
2. Prepare the Vehicle:
- Ensure that the vehicle is cool to the touch.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
3. Drain Coolant:
- Place a drain pan under the vehicle.
- Locate the drain plug on the radiator and loosen it to drain the coolant.
4. Remove Serpentine Belt:
- Locate the serpentine belt tensioner and use a wrench to release the tension.
- Remove the serpentine belt by sliding it off the pulleys.
5. Remove Water Pump Bolts:
- Remove the bolts that secure the water pump to the engine block. Be careful not to drop them into the engine bay.
6. Remove the Old Water Pump:
- Gently pry the water pump away from the engine block using a pry bar or gasket scraper. Take note of the position and orientation of the old pump.
7. Clean the Mounting Surface:
- Clean the mounting surface on the engine block to ensure a good seal for the new water pump.
8. Install the New Water Pump:
- Apply a thin layer of water pump lubricant to the gasket surface of the new pump (optional, recommended by some automakers).
- Position the new water pump on the engine block, aligning it with the mounting holes.
- Insert and hand-tighten the water pump bolts.
9. Tighten the Bolts:
- Using a socket or wrench, tighten the water pump bolts in a star pattern, gradually increasing the tightness until the recommended torque specification is reached. This value can usually be found in the vehicle repair manual.
10. Reinstall Serpentine Belt:
- Reinstall the serpentine belt by placing it around the pulleys and tensioning it using the belt tensioner.
11. Refill Coolant:
- Mix coolant according to the recommended ratio with distilled water.
- Remove the radiator cap and carefully pour the coolant mixture into the radiator.
- Reinstall the radiator cap.
12. Bleed the Cooling System:
- Start the vehicle and let it run for a few minutes with the heater set to maximum heat to allow air to escape from the cooling system.
- Check the coolant level and add more if necessary.
13. Reconnect Battery:
- Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
14. Test the Cooling System:
- Turn on the engine and let it reach normal operating temperature. Check for any leaks around the water pump.
- Once satisfied, turn off the engine and allow it to cool down, then recheck the coolant level.
Note: These steps are general guidelines and may vary slightly based on the year and specific model of your Chevy Avalanche. Always refer to your vehicle's repair manual for specific instructions.
