I have a 98 1500 5.2, and am going to be changing the water pump.


The one on it now is a press on style, and the one I'm putting on is also a press on style. No bolts. Thing is, the one on it now that I'm taking off has the 4 holes on the outside perimeter of the pulley, so I can just put 2 bolts in the holes and use a prybar against the frame, while turning the fan nut with a big adjustable wrench. But I just noticed the new water pump I have has the 4 holes on the inside perimeter of the pulley, so the holes are right next to the nut spindle, and there wont be enough room to fit the prybar between the bolts on the new pulley without it blocking the fan nut.


My local auto shop rents out the bolt-on style tool only, not the press on or universal, and they sell the universal tool for 90 bucks.


Any suggestions before I drop 90 for this tool? I'd like to get this new one on without the tool if possible.


Thanks

 

Think you could try a strap wrench? I almost went that route, but was able to get enough torque on it without it.

 

When I did mine recently I used two bolts slightly smaller than the holes on the water pump, ( I didn't worry about tearing the old pump up because it was shot) and I just loosely slid them in there at eleven O clock and eight I clock ( straight up and down from eachother) and used a 36 inch long screwdriver I have to wedge between them and held that with one hand and used an adjustable to break free the fan clutch, leave the belt on so that when you break the fan free you can just spin it off

 

What did you use to get the torque?

 

I just meant I was able to tighten the fan on the pump enough without having to fight with the bolts in the holes... Not that I got an actual torque measurement.

Sorry for the confusion.

 

What I mean is what did you use to hold the water pump pulley still, while you tightened the fan nut? Did you just put the belt back on first and use the tension from the belt to hold the pulley still?

 

That's the tool you need. I'd say that $35 is better than $90 any day...I have the same wrench and it works like a charm...saves a ton of hassle trying to use strap wrenches and other tricks.

 

I used a chain wrench on the pulley, to hold it in place. Big wrench on the nut for the fan. Smack wrench with hammer to get big nut to break loose, and then just spun it off by hand.

 

If I can remember correctly those are reverse threads so just spin it down to when it touches and it won't come offi just used the belt to hold it though while I did that

 

Advance auto loans the correct tool kit to remove the clutch fan nut from the water pump !