How to Install a Water Pump in a Hyundai Santa Fe

It's important that you inspect your Hyundai Santa Fe's engine parts before beginning installing a new water pump. Just remember that the water pump in every Santa Fe is mounted in some way on the front of the engine block. To get to it, you must disconnect several pieces, that vary depending on the engine size, but this is a DIY job you can manage with the right instructions.

Instructions

Detach the Old Water Pump

1

Prop open the hood. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the clamp that connects the negative battery cable to the battery post. Secure the cable away from the post.

2

Unscrew the radiator cap to release the pressure. Locate the drain plug underneath the radiator, on the right side. Remove it. Catch the coolant in a clean container and immediately clean up any spills.

3

Use an adjustable wrench to undo the bolts to the water pipe inlet. Loosen the bolts on the water pump pulley and then remove the accessory drive belt. Next, remove the timing belt cover and tensioner.

4

Remove the water pump pulley and undo the five bolts securing the water pump to the Hyundai Santa Fe engine. Remove the alternator brace and then you can take off the water pump and gasket.

5

Clean off the mount after removing the pump, using a shop rag. Gently scrape away any dried sealant. Inspect the area for cracks.

Attaching the New Water Pump

6

Place the new o-ring in a position that coordinates to the o-ring groove. Dampen it with water.

7

Fit a new gasket onto the new Hyundai Santa Fe water pump. Hold the gasket in place as you mount both pieces onto the o-ring groove, where the old water pump sat.

8

Hold the water pump in place as you reconnect the alternator bracket. Insert five new bolts. Tighten them with 14 to 20 foot pounds torque in any order.

9

Install the rest of the parts in the order you took them off the Hyundai Santa Fe. Reinstall the timing belt using your marks as a guide, if you made them or aren't replacing it with a new belt.

10

Put the drain plug back in the bottom of the radiator. Refill it with coolant as specified in your owner's manual. Screw the radiator cap back on.

11

Attach the negative battery cable to the post and tighten the screw on the clamp. Start the Hyundai Santa Fe engine and check for leaks. Then, close the hood and clean up any spilled coolant.