🔧 Water Pump - Replacement

The water pump on your Accord is driven by the timing belt, so this job is usually done with the timing belt service. The pump sits behind the front engine covers, so the front of the engine must be partially disassembled to access it.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 6-8 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a completely cold engine only. Hot coolant can cause severe burns.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
• Support the engine from below when removing the right engine mount.
• Do not crank or rotate the engine with the timing belt removed.
• Replace the coolant with the correct Honda Type 2 equivalent coolant.
• Mark everything before removal.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Metric socket set
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 1/2-inch breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• 22mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Extension set
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Pliers
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Engine support bar or hydraulic jack with wood block
• Scraper
• Brake cleaner
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Water pump assembly - Qty: 1
• Water pump gasket - Qty: 1
• Engine coolant - Qty: 2 gallons
• Timing belt - Qty: 1
• Timing belt tensioner - Qty: 1
• Timing belt idler pulley - Qty: 1
• Timing belt tensioner pulley - Qty: 1
• Front crankshaft seal - Qty: 1
• Camshaft seal set - Qty: 1 set
• Accessory drive belt - Qty: 1
• Timing cover gasket set - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
• Drain the cooling system before opening the water pump area.
• Keep bolts organized by location.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Drain the coolant

• Use a drain pan under the radiator drain area and open the drain to empty the cooling system.
• Remove the radiator cap only when the engine is cold.

Step 2: Remove the right front wheel and splash shield

• Use a floor jack and jack stands to lift the front right side.
• Remove the right front wheel with a 19mm socket.
• Remove the splash shield fasteners with a 10mm socket and flat-blade screwdriver.

Step 3: Remove the accessory drive belt

• Use a 14mm socket to relieve belt tension and slip the belt off the pulleys.
• Inspect the belt. Replace it if cracked, glazed, or worn.

Step 4: Support the engine and remove the right engine mount

• Place an engine support bar above the engine or a hydraulic jack with a wood block under the oil pan.
• Use a 17mm socket and 14mm socket to remove the engine mount fasteners.
• Remove the mount and bracket assembly.
• Do not lift directly on the oil pan.

Step 5: Remove the crank pulley and timing covers

• Use a 19mm socket and breaker bar to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt.
• Remove the crank pulley.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove the upper and lower timing cover bolts.
• Remove the timing covers carefully.

Step 6: Set engine timing at top dead center

• Use a 19mm socket to rotate the crankshaft by hand until the timing marks line up.
• Confirm the cam and crank timing marks are aligned before removing the belt.
• Do not use the starter motor.

Step 7: Remove the timing belt components

• Use a 12mm socket to remove the timing belt tensioner and idler pulley hardware.
• Remove the timing belt.
• Replace the tensioner and pulleys if included in the service.

Step 8: Remove the old water pump

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the water pump bolts.
• Pull the water pump away from the engine.
• Clean the gasket surface with a scraper and brake cleaner.
• Do not gouge the aluminum surface.

Step 9: Install the new water pump

• Install the new water pump with a fresh gasket.
• Hand-start all bolts with a 10mm socket.
• Torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Reinstall the timing belt system

• Install the timing belt components in their original positions.
• Route the timing belt correctly and verify all timing marks again.
• Install the tensioner and set belt tension per the service sequence.
• Torque the tensioner and pulley bolts to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs) unless the fastener is marked otherwise.

Step 11: Reinstall the covers, mount, and belt

• Install the timing covers with a 10mm socket.
• Install the crank pulley and tighten the crank bolt with a 19mm socket.
• Torque to 245 Nm (181 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the engine mount and bracket with a 17mm socket and 14mm socket.
• Torque engine mount fasteners to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs).
• Install the accessory belt with a 14mm socket.

Step 12: Reassemble the wheel well area

• Reinstall the splash shield with a 10mm socket and flat-blade screwdriver.
• Reinstall the wheel with a 19mm socket.
• Torque the wheel lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

Step 13: Refill and bleed the cooling system

• Refill with the correct engine coolant.
• Bleed air from the system using the radiator cap and overflow tank.
• Run the engine with the heater on hot and check coolant level as it warms up.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it reach operating temperature.
• Check for coolant leaks at the water pump, hoses, and drain area.
• Verify the radiator fan cycles on.
• Recheck coolant level after a full cool-down and top off if needed.
• Listen for belt noise or timing cover interference.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,200-$2,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$650 (parts only)

You Save: $950-$1,550 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 6-8 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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