Basic tools and Car mechanic skills Testament grant you to alternate the water pump in your Nissan Maxima.
Water pumps are responsible for circulating coolant and water throughout engine cooling systems. A faulty water pump will cause your Nissan Maxima to leak coolant fluid, which will lead to overheating. If a Maxima overheats past the red zone on the temperature gauge, permanent engine damage could result. Basic car mechanic skills and tools will enable you to replace the water pump, saving you time and money.
Instructions
Troubleshooting the Water Pump
1. Turn on the Maxima, and listen to the water pump. If the water pump makes a howling sound while running, the shaft bearings may have failed. Also, check the vent holes for coolant leaking while the engine is running, which indicates the pump seal has failed. These are both common signs that a water pump needs replacement. However, even pumps without any external indicators may still need replacing.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal cable from your Nissan Maxima. Check to be sure the Maxima is in "Park," if it is a manual transmission and in first gear, if it is a manual transmission.
3. Drain the Maxima coolant system, by removing the drain plug. New coolant that is in good condition can be saved and reused after replacing the water pump. The drain plug should be located underneath the radiator. Use a pair of pliers to remove the drain fitting, and remove the radiator cap. If possible, use a funnel connected to a 3/8-inch diameter hose to direct the coolant to the catch pan.
Remove the crankshaft pulley and timing belt covers.6. Use the socket wrench to remove the water pump bolts, and disengage the water pump from the engine. Clean the threaded holes on the engine with a rag in order to remove any corrosion or sealant.
5. Unbolt the four water pump pulley bolts from the water pump. Use a strap wrench to secure the pulley, so it does not fall after the bolts are removed.4. Remove the drive belts, using a socket wrench to turn the adjuster, until the belt can be removed from the pulleys. While the drive belts are removed, check them for frays, cracks, separations or any other type of distortions in the drive-belt quality. If any drive belts need replacement, all of them should be replaced at the same time.
Use a screwdriver to remove any old gasket parts from the old water pump location on the engine. Clean the engine and the new water pump surface, using acetone or lacquer thinner. Compare the old and new pumps to be sure they are identical. There are multiple engine models for the Maxima, using a variety of different sizes and shapes for parts.
7. Apply a thin layer of RTV sealant on the new pump prior to setting the new gasket in place on the water pump.
8. Set the new water pump on the engine, and thread the bolts into the holes, until they are finger tight. Tighten the bolts holding the water pump in place to 140-180 inch-pounds with a torque wrench. Over-tightening the bolts may cause distortion in the water pump.
9. Reinstall the Maxima timing cover, crankshaft pulley and water pump pulley. Replace the drive belts, checking that the tension is such that belts with seven to eleven inches between pulleys will deflect 1/4-inch when pressure is applied between the pulleys. Belts with a distance of 12 to 16 inches between pulleys should deflect 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Refill the cooling system, making sure the drain plug is tightened, prior to adding coolant.
10. Reconnect the negative battery cable on your Maxima, and turn the engine on to check for any leaks from the coolant system. Once the engine has had time to run, allow it to cool, so you can add more coolant, if necessary.
