2004 Yukon XL water pump replacement... how difficult?

[jonrpick]

My girl's '04 Yukon apparently needs a water pump.

The oil change doods spotted it the other day, say it's leaking slightly.

They quoted her $690 for the LABOR ONLY (no parts!) to change the pump, serpentine belt, and do a coolant flush.

I told her for $690, I'll learn how NOT to do it with the 1st replacement pump, then do it right with pump #3 and still come in under budget.

So how ridiculous is this job on a late-model? It's the 5.3L engine.

 

[blazenbaja_67]

I called my local parts house(o'reaily) said 99 for reman pumpand 129 for new one as long as you get the fan tool about 4 1/2 hrs with flush.I
thought shops here are high.thats a hrly of $100+,must be one hell of a shop

 

[jonrpick]

I called my local parts house(o'reaily) said 99 for reman pumpand 129 for new one as long as you get the fan tool about 4 1/2 hrs with flush.I
thought shops here are high.thats a hrly of $100+,must be one hell of a shop

Tell me about this, "fan tool"...

Edit: Fan pulley removal tool?? (I Googled...)

 

[blazenbaja_67]

its a long wrench that takes the fan off unlike the old ones with 4 bolts you hold the fan and the tool is on the fan clutch any auto parts pklace like checker vatozone has one u can rent

 

[rd2116]

These water pumps are actually very easy to change. The hardest part is probably removing the fan. As was already said you will need a fan clutch wrench and a holding tool to hold the water pump pulley while you break the fan loose. After that its 3 hoses, remove the serp belt, and 6 10mm bolts holding the pump to the block. I can usually have these done in 30-45 minutes, although i work on them all the time, i would think someone with even basic mechanical ability could have it done in 1 1/2 to 2 hours easy.

 

[jonrpick]

its a long wrench that takes the fan off unlike the old ones with 4 bolts you hold the fan and the tool is on the fan clutch any auto parts pklace like checker vatozone has one u can rent

Ah, ok...

So, you're saying 4.5hrs?? That seems longer than I would expect. By "flush", do you just mean draining the old coolant and replacing it with new stuff?

 

[jonrpick]

These water pumps are actually very easy to change. The hardest part is probably removing the fan. As was already said you will need a fan clutch wrench and a holding tool to hold the water pump pulley while you break the fan loose. After that its 3 hoses, remove the serp belt, and 6 10mm bolts holding the pump to the block. I can usually have these done in 30-45 minutes, although i work on them all the time, i would think someone with even basic mechanical ability could have it done in 1 1/2 to 2 hours easy.

Ok, that seems more reasonable. Regarding the fan clutch wrench, is that a specialty tool as well? And can it also be rented at the parts store?

 

[rd2116]

You should be able to rent one no problem. Both my fan wrench and holding tool are snap on universal that fit multiple vehicle lines. The parts store should know what you need.

 

[broncoman6524]

Yeah, thats a bit much.

I think at the shop I work at the quote would be around 500-700 including parts and flush. (I do tires...not mech. stuff so I don't know the firm price)


They aren't that hard, like said. I've seen the guys get them done in and out in less than an hour.

 

[Duntz00]

its a long wrench that takes the fan off unlike the old ones with 4 bolts you hold the fan and the tool is on the fan clutch any auto parts pklace like checker vatozone has one u can rent

Hrmmm.. When I replaced the water pump in my 2000 with a 5.3 I didn't use no fancy tool to get the fan off but I can't for the life of me remember how I got it off , but I did take the fan off and the new pump came with the pulley already installed.

 

[Cornfield creations]

It's easier to use the tool. There is no way to hold the pulley well enough to break the fan loose. Plus tightening it, you wanna make sure it's tight enough. Napa usually has them in stock and I think they are like $40. It should pay for itself with one use.

 

[Duntz00]

It's easier to use the tool. There is no way to hold the pulley well enough to break the fan loose. Plus tightening it, you wanna make sure it's tight enough. Napa usually has them in stock and I think they are like $40. It should pay for itself with one use.

Well I still don't remember how I got it off but I havent had any problems with the fan or anything and its been on there for 10k miles.

 

[Babaganoosh]

It's not really a special tool it's just a big wrench. If you have a hard time, just give it a few whacks with a hammer braking it loose then it will just spin off with your hands.

 

[xCaliK5x]

The old water pump is trash, so put the fan wrench on, and whack it with a hammer. I know BMW's water pump snout is reverse thread............. GM, I have no clue. I would assume they are always tightening. I always put some Tri-Flow on the snout threads so the fans come of easier next time I have to go in.

 

[5280k5]

The pumps are pretty easy to do. I always take the upper fan shroud off to start. The fan clutch nut is a 36mm and usually a good wack on a wrench with a hammer will loosen it. It is standard thread, righty tighty etc. There are several companies that make 36mm fan clutch wrenches and there are also kits with wrench ends that go with an air hammer to really make it easy. When removing/installing the fan leave the belt on for a little tension, helps keep the fan from spinning so easily. After you tighten it by hand just wack the wrench a couple times to make sure it's tight. Standard book time on replacing the pump is 1.8 hrs and figure the flush usually pays 1.0 at the most, the belt is duplicate labor since you take it off to replace the water pump.

Here's the only thing you really need from the service manual

Important: All gaskets surfaces are to be free of oil or other foreign material during assembly.

1. Install the water pump and NEW gaskets. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
2. Install the water pump bolts.

2.1.Tighten the bolts a first pass to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.). 2.2.Tighten the bolts a final pass to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.).