How to Replace the Water Pump in a Mazda 6

The water pump is the heart of the Mazda 6's cooling system, circulating the coolant. A faulty water pump can cause some serious damage to the engine of your vehicle. Make sure to change out a bad water pump.

Instructions

Remove the Old Pump

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable after removing the battery cover. Also remove the under cover and splash shield assembly.

2

Place a drain pan underneath the radiator. When the engine is cool, drain the cooling system from the radiator into the pan.

3

Move the coolant reservoir tank to the side while the hose is attached and take out the plug hole plate.

4

Loosen and remove the pump pulley bolt, moving the drive belt to the side and remove the water pump pulley.

5

Remove the water pump bolts and remove the pump. Also take out the o-ring and discard.

Install the New Pump

6

Clean the mating surface of the water pump and install the new o-ring.

7

Install the new pump, tightening the bolts to 71 to 101 inch pounds (8 to 11 Nm).

8

Reinstall the drive plate, the plug hole plate, the coolant reservoir tank, the splash shield and the undercover.

9

Reconnect the battery cable and reinstall the battery cover.

10

Refill the cooling system.

11

Start the car and check for leaks when the engine reaches normal operating temperature.