The water pump on my 1997 corolla has been leaking, I want to replace it by myself. I did some research online, and get the diagram of the engine structure. It seems to me it is not very hard to do, but who knows, it might end up being a very tricky job. Did anyone replace the water pump on 97 corolla before? How difficult was it? Two things I actually worry: 1. It might be hard to unbolt the water pump pulley, because there is little room insert a wrench. 2. Also, because of the lack of room, it would be also hard to unbolt the timing belt cover (the 2nd/middle cover). A shop gave the quote of $440 to replace the water pump, and I think I should be able to do it myself.
You'll need to have a 1/4 drive short extension and 10mm socket to get the t-belt covers off. Also be sure to loosen the water pump pulley's 4 10mm bolts before removing the alt/ac belt to ease getting the pulley off. Your also going to need to support the engine when you take off the motor mount to gain access to the t-belt. Good luck and hope this helps. The hardest part of the job usually is getting the p.s. belt loose due to it's location while doing the job on the ground. Also you may want to invest in a repair manual so you line the marks up correctly, it's imperative that you have them exactly lined up.Good luck and hope this helps.
it is the water pump. you will be bettor off letting the shop put it on because if you don't have the right tools DO NOT TRY TO DO YOURSELF. the water pump is right in front fan motor all that has to come off to get to the pump.
Think about the engine timing, its the most important. If you put the timing belt back in at wrong timing it'll be a big problem.
