1996 Mazda 626 Water Pump Replacement

1962 MAZDA 626
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MDBARNES
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My girlfriend has a 1996 Mazda 626, with 130,000 miles on it, it has the 4 cylinder engine. The water pump has gone bad and needs to be replaced. I've only owned large american vehicles where the water pump is a matter of a few bolts and serpentine belt, but I've read all over online to see if I can find directions on how to do it, and all I've found is how to do it on a V-6. It mentioned having to take off the timing belt and such, will I have to do that for the 4 cylinder? let me know if you can help me. If I have to do the timing belt we'll have a shop fix it instead.
Jan 10, 2006 at 1:28 PM
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COSMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 347 POSTS
Yes you will need to remove the timing belt in order to replace the water pump, as well you will need to remove the power steering pump,,,or at least get it out of the way.

Cosmo
Jan 10, 2006 at 2:31 PM
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MDBARNES
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  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for your help, my family, including myself, only owns large american cars. There are usually more repairs with American cars, but a lot easier to do. Thanks again for your help, looks like a shop will be taking care of this one.
Jan 10, 2006 at 2:45 PM
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Suggested Repair

Replace the water pump only after removing the timing belt and moving or removing the power steering pump. Because of that access work, have a shop perform the repair.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1996 Mazda 626 with a 4-cylinder engine and about 130,000 miles asked whether water pump replacement requires timing belt removal, noting they had only found V6 instructions and would use a shop if the belt must come off. The expert confirmed the timing belt must be removed and the power steering pump must be removed or moved aside. The owner thanked the expert and said a shop would handle the job.

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