How to Install a Water Pump in a Mazda6

In a Mazda6, the water pump is responsible for regulating the fluid that flows through the engine to keep it cool. When the water pump goes bad, the engine overheats causing damage to other parts of the car, as well. A water leak and overheating are potential first signs of a failing water pump, and sometimes the only signs of a problem before the car dies.

Instructions

Remove the Pump

1

Open the hood. Take off the battery cover and use a screwdriver to unscrew the clamp that connects the negative battery cable to the battery post. Pull it away from the post.

2

Use a jack to elevate the Mazda6 and jack stands to shore up the jack. Put down a drop cloth underneath the car to protect the floor or ground from coolant spills.

3

Release pressure from the radiator by slowly unscrewing the cap. Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator, just behind the grill. Place an empty container under the plug and remove it to drain the radiator. You may have to remove the splash shield first.

4

Remove the parts between you and the water pump. In every Mazda6 this includes, in order: the coolant reservoir tank, air cleaner and water pump pulley. Use an adjustable wrench to remove the bolts securing each part.

5

Unbolt the water pump from the block using an adjustable wrench. Take the bolts out in any order. Remove the o-ring. If needed, chisel in the seam between the water pump and the block to separate the two parts.

Install the New Pump

6

Inspect the new Mazda6 water pump, bolts and o-ring. They should be identical to the old parts, clean and free of any metal splinters.

7

Arrange the new gasket onto the water pump. Place a bead of sealant around the area where you removed the old pump and hold the o-ring in place on the new water pump as you mount the entire assembly on top of the sealant.

8

Insert and tighten the new water pump bolts using torque wrench and 71 to 101 foot pounds of torque to secure these bolts. Reconnect the other parts with an adjustable wrench, but use a torque wrench and 12 to 17 foot pounds of torque to tighten the water pump pulley bolts.

9

Place the drain plug back in the bottom of the radiator. Remove the jack stands. Then, lower the car back to the ground. Refill the radiator with coolant as specified in your owner's manual. Screw the radiator cap back on.

10

Reconnect and tighten the negative battery cable to the post with the screwdriver. Start the Mazda6's engine and check for leaks. Then, close the hood and properly dispose of the drop cloth and all the used parts.