Problems with cars

One of the most common problems with cars is the failure of the water pump, on higher mileage vehicles. The replacement of the water pump provides a few challenges for the do-it-yourself auto repair mechanic.

One of the most common car problems that you will run across on a high mileage vehicle is the leaky water pump. Vehicle manufacturers are making the same quality water pumps that they did many years ago.

The problem with this is that vehicles today are used well over 100,000 miles. Even the best water pump will need to be replaced at around this mileage.

Since the water pump failure is one of the problems with cars that affect so many different models, I really can't get into the exact replacement of the water pump for your model.

There are many online auto repair programs that can guide you step-by-step through the replacement of your water pump.

My favorite reference manual would be All-Data online auto repair manuals.

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Replacement of the water pump

Again this will differ on many models, but one of the major problems with this repair is the refilling of the cooling system and removing the air from the system so that it flows properly.

One of the most common complaints that I receive from driveway mechanics is that after they replaced the water pump the car is overheating.

In many cases when performing a water pump replacement I have found that the cooling system can become air bound and will not flow coolant properly. Again, the removal of air from the cooling system will differ from model to model.

This is the main cause of an air bound cooling system after the replacement of the water pump. After the vehicle has completely warmed up and the thermostat has opened, allow the vehicle to cool down completely and then refill the system.

Also while the radiator cap is off and the vehicle is cool give the upper and lower radiator hoses a few tight squeezes. You may want to through a catch pan under the vehicle because some coolant may drip on the ground. This is a good way to shake loose some stubborn trapped air.

Problems with cars don't get burned

Again make sure the vehicle is completely cool before you remove that radiator cap and take it off very slow! The problems with cars are that some vehicles are very stubborn about removing air from the cooling system.

The above procedure may have to be performed more than once. On the other hand, some vehicles have a self-bleeding cooling system.

An air bound cooling system will not be an issue at all on those models. And some vehicles have a bleeder valve to let the air out (like on Chevy's 3.1 & 2.8 L)

This is why I always recommend consulting a professional auto repair manual for all of the specific details for your model. I just wanted to make you aware of the most common problems with cars that I have seen.

If you replaced your water pump, and you continue to have an overheating condition bleeding the air out of the cooling system should be your first concern.


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