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So I have a few parts removed for installation of a new ARD alternator, it seems like my water pump bearing has a little slop so I am going to replace it while I have the alternator belt off. It looks like the alternator tension bracket has to be removed, and it is only held in place by one bolt behind the power steering pump and the bolt passing through the water pump. Also it seems like no other parts need to be removed, the pump should clear the thermostat housing, etc. So the only part that is in conflict with the pump coming straight off is the alternator tensioning bracket. Is that correct?
That’s my recollection albeit it’s been some years since I replaced mine. Hopefully that long bolt comes out w/o issues. I think I’d use some anti seize going back on.
T-stat is easy to swap with coolant drained if it’s age is unknown.
That’s my recollection albeit it’s been some years since I replaced mine. Hopefully that long bolt comes out w/o issues. I think I’d use some anti seize going back on.
T-stat is easy to swap with coolant drained if it’s age is unknown.
Thanks. What's this about the long bolt though? What kind of issues?
If you search 'rx7club stuck water pump bolt' , you can find similar problems on FD and older RX7s (the basic housing and water pump design didn't change much). I can't say why it happens, but I suspect coolant may seep into the bolt passage over time and corrode the bolt to the iron and the water pump housing.
Wow, what a hassle! I’ll try to remove that bolt first and if it is stuck I’ll forget about the WP replacement for now. It’s not like the pump has failed, I just thought it would be convenient to replace it now while I have some associated parts already off. But it’s not worth going through that hell at this point, for sure.
Well it looks like my engine has a stud in that location, not a long bolt:
Actually, there seem to be no bolts, only studs (both sides are studs).
Not sure if this is good news or bad news, it seems like the trouble part for others was where the bolt corroded to the water pump housing, not the water pump itself. I guess I will find out when I (try to) remove the water pump...
