How To Replace A C5 Water Pump

[@RedCat2299]

Hey man! Easiest way to do the balancer is to pull front wheels off, undo the tie rods and steering shaft and rack. Pull the abs module outta the way from the top. zip the engine cradle bolts out until there is a couple threads holding them in. slide the steering rack out from the drivers side. MAKE SURE TO LOCK YOUR STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE WITH SOME ROPE OR SOMETHING. Summit Racing SUM-C2501 is a stock sized direct fit replacement balancer that costs around $220 and can withstand 12,500 rpm. It will not come apart. I recommend you also get an LS balancer puller from summit as well which will only make life easier. I recommend you use an ARP crankshaft bolt with red loctite and 235 ft. lbs. of torque when you install the new balancer. I did this to my Z06 a couple years ago and it took me around 4 hours doing it myself.

[@mjphoto45]

I got the 2501 from Summit also

[@WORRO]

Buddy I just hung my head when I heard the chirp. Excellent video, you'll get it man. Thumbs up ~John

[@themcandrews5862]

Remember fews guys saying they thought it was the water pump, Nice job as always Chris 👍😎 Harmonic Balancer coming soon , Will definitely watch.

[@dougekren6495]

Chris your mechanical skills have come along way , harmonic balancer will be a snap good vid .

[@mjphoto45]

Great video again. My Harmonic Balancer is being put on now. Worth the $550 labor fee

[@RTMZ06]

Did you go with a factory replacement or upgrade to ATI?

[@TJsVette]

Flash forward 3 years and now it's over 1k to have it done. Thanks Sleepy Joe!

[@Ricovette]

Thoroughly enjoyed this upload Chris! Thumbs up from me as usual... Stay safe... Rico

[@pcha2301]

If you’re changing the harmonic balancer get one from summit racing harmonic balancer is pretty awesome but it’s up to you thanks

[@andreu99C5vette]

Thats what I used on my 99 C5, I got the 25% underdrive summit balancer because the factory one had a slight wobble and it wasn't to expensive around $200.

[@mjphoto45]

2501 from Summit

[@gipstetz6720]

Its been a long journey. But excellent content for the channel. Thanks for posting. Love the channel. Good luck with All.

[@Joe-wv7pv]

I agree with the filling coolant process. Only thing I would change is run the car with the cap off. Works better. (I run a shop)

[@4x4Productionz]

It works better with the cap off. (I run a shop)

[@silver750iL]

The back of my original Delco water pump (as per view at 14:46) had a centre impeller cover you could unbolt. It sealed from the factory with a large O ring a bit like the 'stat housing. Mine was leaking at this cover/o ring so was actually repairable with RTV. Just a 0.5 on it incase anyone had a leak. I assume Chris's new AC Delco without a removable cover is an updated part so as not to leak here. You need to be careful on trapping air in the system on C5's. The shop manuals say only to fill to the bottom of the neck in the expansion tank before starting the engine (cap on) for your first cycle back and forth to 3000rpm until warmed up. Then CAREFULLY remove cap (letting any steam stop first), fill to just below the COLD FULL line and cycle the rpm's again until warmed up. Remove cap again and top off as necessary. There's a small metal coolant line running between each cylinder head underneath the throttle body, it is about the highest point in the cooling system. The pipe is bolted down either end of it so if you open the connections it's a good place to bleed out any air.

[@capriceproduction5367]

Great, thank you very much for all your videos

[@mickywinters8451]

Great video! Just an fyi the whole entire thermostat housing and thermostat is $11.90 on eBay for it complete, so saves a step removing the old one to the new one. I’m having my water pump and radiator both done Monday. My radiator sprung a leak on top left side plastic tank and 3 days later my water pump is dripping underneath. Got the pump on Amazon made by gates with a lifetime warranty for $79. Radiator is $115 on Amazon also with warranty. This helps a lot. Peace

[@C5ZDad]

Hey Chris, dontou happen to know what size rims you have on the rear with the offset? Thanks and great video

[@thevettboy]

I see your frustration Chris. You handle these types of things much better than I do. After replacing my upper and lower pan caskets two times because of oil leaks, yesterday I go and attend my local Corvette Club GTG, I come home and the pan casket or caskets are leaking once again. Needles to say, I was pretty upset. Hope the harmonic balancer does the trick for you.

[@MrTheawesomedude12]

Great video man! Very informative!!

[@tonyiverson5613]

Thanks for this. I did find it necessary to remove the throttle body in order to keep the gaskets in place while dropping the new pump in. Great video. 👍

[@tumyung9666]

LOL you're an awsome parts installer..

[@richardkoch4386]

Have you eliminated the clutch bearing on the AC Compressor as the source of the squeak? I had years ago bought a BMW E28 cheaply because of that bad bearing three mechanics could not diagnose. Replaced the bearing and no more noise.

[@YoshiV819]

I go after the hard stuff first, wasn't cheap but anything with 20 year old rubber is going to be a problem. My mechanic elected to remove the engine subframe completely to replace it. That enabled him to suspend the power steering rack from above and keep all the lines connected. I had him put in my AMT motor mounts at the same time. I did the ATI damper, my mechanic had to order the recommended installation tool as the tool he had was not able to press it on. With no supercharger there's no need to pin it. Good luck if you take the job on, it'll be epic.

[@stevefultz860]

Do you know the best place to buy transmission cooling lines located at radiator

[@mycorvettelife]

RockAuto

[@stevefultz860]

Thanks

[@earlwheeler5323]

Hey what type of lift are you using? I like it!

[@basilbcf]

I don't know if this would work on the C5 (I also have a C5), but to get the WP out of my wife's BMW Z4, there was a cross member in the way, much like the steering rack is in the way of your harmonic balancer. What I did was unbolt the front motor mounts and jacked UP the motor until the WP cleared. Wondering is similar procedure would allow that bolt on the harmonic balancer to come free without needing to drop the front assembly? Just a thought.

[@SuperGerry2009]

Hello Chris i'm sorry for you that the sound is back you're trying extremely hard i hope for you it's found soon succes.

[@ba2724]

Hang in there, Chris. At least we know what the real issue is, and it is fixable. And you'll have the peace of mind that you've got lots of newer parts throughout the engine bay, making your ride that much nicer!

[@MT_53]

Well, just DAMN!!!

[@soulis1000]

Try to spray some water on the belt when its squeeking, if it goes quiet then its no bearing. It might in that case be a missaligned pulley. You can "solve" that by getting a gator belt, its not just cut in lines but 45 degrees across too. Or just align the pulleys ;)

[@soulis1000]

It can allso be helpful to use a stetoscope (almost like the doctor has) with a steel rod on so you can push it against the different parts to maybee hear where the noice is comming from.

[@mwdunn3]

Good advice. I had a squeal in my F 250 that I could not find. Threw on a Gator belt and problem solved.

[@jake82dixon]

I don't think they make gator belts anymore.

[@joshuat5140]

I did that and it went quiet So I bought new belts changed them and sound went away. But I had a small coolant leak after and never had before. So in my case the belt going quiet didn't work and my bearing was leaking.

[@kevingrantonic8812]

I am with you on the thermostat, only use the 160 degree on a old carbuerated engine. I would not go lower that 190 degree on modern engines.

[@MrLulu5605]

dang..........on the good side tho......now you got more content.....keep m coming

[@Multi8384]

This dude is funny Love how people say” this is a dealer OEM part and have a 15+ car! Of course chris ur not throwing parts at it....

[@andreu99C5vette]

You don't have to drop the subframe to change the harmonic balancer. When I was changing mine i just disconnected all the lines going to the steering rack and tie rod ends then moved the whole rack as far as it will go into the passenger side wheel opening to get it out of the way.

[@timbalcom9803]

That's the same thing I did when I did my cam swap.

[@DjCorona512]

Wasup Man Love the Vet Videos! Had a quick question on what you use to lift the vet??

[@joshuat5140]

Yea I hope it fixes my issue. I have a 01 c5 zo6 and I kept having a whining sound. So at first I went and got new serpentine belts because I know old belts can cause whinnying sounds when they are old and loose. So did that and it did take away the sounds right away. But I noticed I had a small coolant leak after and it never had one before. So im hearing it's the water pump bearings from some people and online sites. So I already got my water pump coming and wanted to ask if anyone else had this issue?? And did a new water pump fix it??

[@castlegarage6969]

I like your car collection in plexiglass where do I get that

[@terryholston872]

Just replaced the water pump on my C-4 last Wed. Drove it out to eat Fri. and it started chirping, sounds just like yours. Dang, used the old belt, could it be coolant on the belt causing noise?

[@terryholston872]

I put my ear to a probe on all the belt driven accessories and couldn't hear the chirp. I then sprayed some water on the belt and it stopped chirping. Put a new serpentine belt on. Canaries are gone. Hoo Ra...Success, quiet as a church mouse, now!

[@freedom1niner575]

Did you put gasket maker on the new gaskets or is that red color the inside of the gaskets

[@mycorvettelife]

That’s the gasket.

[@stinknyc8041]

Its the balancer, and really its the balancer bolt usually.....its important brother, if the balancer comes loose you got problems

[@frankysuarez]

Love it. Great instructions. 👍🏻 Thanks a lot

[@josephjoseph4040]

hey Chris ,what coolant did you put in the car ? what the best for AZ ? will be replacing my water pump tomorrow

[@mycorvettelife]

Dexcool

[@devendavidoff]

Spot of RTV on the back of the gasket the day before will keep it in place using the bolts for alignment of the gasket. Vacuum coolant filler is worth the money.

[@wildwall]

I see a new harmonic balancer, pinned, and a future video showing how to install a supercharger

[@christopherdutro168]

Chris I was sure the harmonic balancer was just fine myself. And this is someone who has a C-5 & has had a unbalanced harmonic balancer! I am abig fan.

[@darylefletcher7290]

Awesome video an I'm also from oak grove mn

[@chrisbryant1657]

Unrelated, what paint did you use to paint your valve covers?

[@mycorvettelife]

High temp primer and Krylon Troy Build Red

[@chrisbryant1657]

@@mycorvettelife Thank you sir!

[@wyattoneable]

Thanks! This helped.

[@Joe-wv7pv]

I don't know who you are. Squeak and chirping I don't know what you want. If you are looking for repairs, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career of fixing corvettes. Skills that make me a nightmare for cars like you. If you stop seeking go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will fix you! 😂

[@chrisbryant1657]

Chris, where did buy that lift and what was the cost? Thanks in advance!

[@mycorvettelife]

QuickJack BL5000-SLX, sold at Costco, Home Depot ,or direct from QJ. Around $1500, sometimes on sale for less.

[@rwrobs777]

A "squeak or "chirp"" is usually belt misalignment so a new tensioner would not have been a fix... a common area of concern on GM's is the power steering pump pulley since that pulley can be "adjusted" so to speak. The pulley should be flush with the end of the pump shaft. I'd suggest buying the Dayco 93874 laser alignment tool. You don't want to shot gun any more parts especially the HB !! Rob (C5 Diag)

[@nknez76]

Bummer, sorry it didn't take care of the issue, at least it fixed another issue. Looking forward to the next video

[@wayneharrington8551]

What was u using to raise the car?..

[@mycorvettelife]

QuickJack 5000

[@grahamfrost2480]

Oh dear, chin up Chris. 😎

[@swissoutdoor777]

Nice! My waterpump died 4 weeks ago.

[@stevefultz860]

Would a water pump lube help the water pump last longer.

[@mycorvettelife]

Never hear of that. I’m guessing not.

[@kiwiguy4764]

And remember if your worried about getting antifreeze on your garage floor or driveway do it at a friend's place it always works for me

[@billiehale38]

😂

[@leonbachman5345]

Drive it till the chirp becomes a squawk then you will know

[@genej501]

Just had the same problem with my 2004, 24 hours at Lemans edition. Had to replace the water pump. Also found the harmonic balancer was going out. Headed done at the mechanics. The thermostat alone was 45 bucks. Total cost for the water pump replacement and balancer was $ 1600.

[@user-jc9yz5xl9b]

Are there reasons why this model number part is less expensive than other pumps that appear the same?

[@mycorvettelife]

No. Just make sure to get the AC Delco one.

[@user-jc9yz5xl9b]

@@mycorvettelife Much as Grassy Ass, Señor!!! Lol

[@navybluethunder]

I'm so sorry for that, Chris. But, Your look at the camera when this annoying chirping is coming to full loudness is gorgeous with a little distress. :-D I feel with You, I had almost the same issue with my Firebird, but I thought it was the belt. Didn't fix my issue with two different belts, as I moved from Gatorback to Dayton 2x, and after throwing belts on a brand new belt tensioner I went back to Continental Elite, like You Did. Fixed my issue. In terms of Engine, I definetly appreciate Your vids 'cause for the 3gen LS they are valuable. Regards

[@ffas23]

Nice Vid Chris. Took a look at it being my ‘99 C5 still has the original water pump on it still in great shape with original 37k miles on the car. Problem is my A/C Compressor needs to be replaced. Some people say I need to take the water pump off the car to get it out others say I could Jack the motor up on the passenger side enough to slide the compressor out without removing the water pump. I like that idea more less work. I have things in the way in the mean time and a vehicle tying up my car lift. At my age I don’t like having to work on my back anymore. I just turned 70 years old in February. I installed my 9000 lb 2 post lift back when I was in my 40’s in my Morton Pole Barn thinking ahead of time. Anyway this video was interesting. Keep it up. Don’t know if you made any video’s with you dealing with your A/C compressor having to replace it or not. Using a ultraviolet light with dye in the system my complete compressor other then the front pully area lights up like a Christmas Tree, I believe it’s either leaking through the aluminum housing or where it is sealed together from the factory. Was suppose to do this job last year but it was too hot of a Summer to get to it and by fall other things like usual got in the way.

[@TKDWolf]

I don't remember having to remove much when I changed my AC compressor, definitely not water pump. I don't think I've messed with the motor mounts either. I cant remember exactly what I did, though.

[@ffas23]

@@TKDWolf I still haven’t done mine as of yet. I don’t see how you could of done it without using one of 2 procedures. The water pump needs to be taken off to get the compressor out or the motor needs to be jacked up to do it leaving the water pump in place.

[@cavemaster]

All i did to get rid of my churp is changed the belt to a new continental/gator belt...

[@cavemaster]

nvm my churp wasnt that bad. i changed my balancer to get rid of it but it ended up being the belt. what if u spray the belt with some water while its running. does it quiet down any?

[@Krusher_1970]

You can do it, Chris! To be honest with you, i knew since the beginning it was the H.B. I had the same problem and that sinister noise...well, it's unique, squeaking from pulleys is different, more in the high frequency band. The positive thing is that you have changed pieces that needed to be changed anyway and you're at the end of the road now. The negative, as you already know, is the cost of the replacement (i paid 800€ of labor here in Italy). Good luck, man.

[@babybugy1]

part of the fun except for the money good job doing the spall fans this year

[@dopesrealtows2717]

Any help I have a stock c5 Corvette when I drive fast it makes a big squeaky sound I change the upper tension and did not make any progress ...and another one when I'm driving fast in the freeway the antifreeze spills out from the top i bought a new and still leaks and it leaking from the passenger side engine antifreeze any help people it's my daily

[@mycorvettelife]

Check all the hoses for the leak. Check the belt for the squeak.

[@TheTenuredPassholder]

I'm surprised you could reuse the old style thermostat housing in the newer style pump, but good to know that it includes both gaskets and will fit.

[@jerryandalon2606]

That’s the issue I’m having, GM doesn’t make ls1 water pumps anymore, everyone including AC delco sell ls2 water pumps and call them ls1 did you notice his ls1 thermostat didn’t bottom out or give any kind of resistance? It’s to small and the incorrect thermostat housing and thermostat

[@jonstapleton76]

Is it sill OEM if its made in China?

[@mycorvettelife]

Yes. Very few OEM parts are made in USA. They are still held to a higher manufacturing standards to be considered OEM though.

[@45auto82]

Chris, sorry I didn’t recall this till just now, but I remember years ago, my older Brother used an old stethoscope to pinpoint diff squeaks & noises under the hood. Saved him a lot of time by helping troubleshoot exactly where the problems were coming from.

[@Glide1992]

They make mechanic's stethoscopes as well. Doesn't need to be an old stethoscope.

[@mrkstymest]

Yea i thought you replaced the harmonicbalcer a while back?

[@mycorvettelife]

Nope

[@leonbachman5345]

@@mycorvettelife replaced my at 40000 miles had just a 1/6 of a inch wobble

[@alancameron2433]

Re battery problem.Check parasitic load loss on battery positive.Disconnect positive battery and put an ammeter between positive cable and battery post.Be sure key is not in ignition switch and doors are closed nothing should be drawing from battery.You can find the parasitic load loss maximum from references(GM).If loss is greater you will lose battery power.

[@Chicago_racing]

Dude while is making that noise take the oil cap off, see if it will go away if it does, is ur catch can, u need a catch can with a breather.

[@mycorvettelife]

Never heard that one before. I’ll give it a shot but it hasn’t made that noise for the past 2 years with the catch can.

[@chrisbryant1657]

I've been running a catch can with no breather for years on my 98 LS1 z28 Camaro with no issues.

[@Jdikmen]

No chance it might be the AC belt?

[@mycorvettelife]

No, I took the AC belt off entirely.

[@jerrysmith6911]

I felt your pain my brother.😬😬

[@GregSr]

I have an '03 C5. Earlier this month the water pump went from no leak to severe leak in less than a day. Normally, I would have installed a new water pump myself. I just got home from having a triple bypass so I had the local garage do it. They charged $700 for parts and labor and that did include two new belts.

[@MiamisFinestUnseen]

At 18:49 I bet the house you were thinking about selling the vette.

[@CarlSteeves-u8k]

The pump you took off was a GM water pump. I changed my water pump and was the same as yours. The GM number is on the back of the pump.

[@stephane4392]

Remove the belt when hot to see if its something like the clutch bearing or balancer etc...

[@jasonathey2551]

Use extremely small drops of super glue to hold the gaskets in place when putting the water pump on

[@daren9721]

Check your ac belt and pulley first

[@toodanderson351]

He removed the belt for the ac.

[@daren9721]

Haa I didn't know. Thanks for that.

[@DiscoBoogieNJ]

Just bought an aftermarket water pump for my 2000 vet. 13 months ago I replaced it with a AC Delco it lasted 29,000 miles. They all seem to be using cheap Chinese bearings, unfortunately. I don't have the money for one of the expensive ones with good bearings. It is what it is......

[@budhorstmeyer9336]

Let’s face it, you’ll miss the chirp when it’s gone..... Chirp=Content....glass 1/2 full......

[@mycorvettelife]

I can’t drive the car. I won’t miss it. It’s costing me more money than views.

[@user-jc9yz5xl9b]

It seems simple. I would need to pull a MacGyver and figure out how to replace the WP with the least amount of stress and headache. Thank you. You have been helpful.

[@carlosponce1795]

AL MÍO LE COMPRE LA EDELBROCK TE LA RECOMIENDO SALUDOS

[@alancall5113]

Tensioner pulley even though I replaced it once

[@SM-eu5xl]

Sucks it didn’t solve the squeaking issue, but that old water pump needed replacement regardless. It was leaking from the weep hole so it was shot.

[@richarddobreny6664]

I know that look of disappointment! I seen it many times

[@stevesnvegas9040]

Couldn't you have just removed all of the belts and started it? If the chirping was happening without the belts you would have know it was the balancer. My C5 chirps a little bit, but a lot of other C5's seem to chirp too, I thought it was just a ls thing.

[@45auto82]

OMG! You’re expression really says it all and I am right there with you on this! Chris, I must say, you gotta have the worst luck I’ve ever seen! I thot I held that title (disabled vet, cancer vic, other ailments) but mechanical problems that we fix 4 or more times has got to be a record! I’m so sorry Bud. Really thot the water pump was it. It makes me wonder if it cd be more serious, like a crankshaft main bearing or one on the cam? Dang! Sure makes one want to say some bad words...😟😳😢

[@mrphiscal]

Get a supercharger with a crank pulley

[@zacharyzindel3819]

Rock Auto has that water pump for $97.00.

[@mycorvettelife]

Yes.

[@kiwiguy4764]

Seriously that old of a car if your doing waterpump harmonic balancer the timing chain set needs replaced people always forget timing chain just did mine on a my LT1 got 110k on it 01 Z06 only got 30k on it amazing how stretched out chain was on LT1

[@philtroskey3454]

Pay $2,200 to get my water pump fixed at the dealer and car shield page 600 of that 2200

[@donlovelace2127]

Sorry, perty sure it is Balancer

[@bobmrkus3185]

A water pump for a corvette us made in china? W T.F.? Good luck with the harmonic balancer!

[@mycorvettelife]

You would be surprised how few parts are made in the USA. That is why anytime I do aftermarket stuff I strive to get made in USA. Although OEM parts, regardless of where they are manufactured, are made to a higher specification for durability.

[@jimharrow8104]

Get an ATI... SUPER DAMPER...

[@billjergoson3192]

Belts are now saturated with coolant. Should have put new ones on.

[@kellygrannis8024]

That really sucked Chris. Sorry that wasn't the offending part.

[@kennethclement8742]

Too much talking. Another guy did the whole demo in 5 minutes.

[@nauls82]

Gm parts.......made in China........ohhhhh my we are in trouble

[@04red6]

Says "Go ahead" 75 times. Annoying

[@gbrown4x4]

I changed my water pump on my 98 and refilled. No leaks and thought everything was good. About a month later after driving for a while when i shut car off, coolant started bubbling out of reservoir cap until it was just about empty. Don't know if it was air in system or what. About a week later refilled started it up and ran it for about 30/40 min and temp stayed around 214. But drove it today for a while and temp was at about 230 from stop and go traffic but when i shut it off same thing............dont know why it's doing that