Pulley bolts keep coming off

Tiny
OSEPHUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 CADILLAC DEVILLE
  • 4.9L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 171,000 MILES
Just changed my water pump ran the car for awhile seemed good no leaks, but the water pump pulley bolts keep coming off. Could it be they are just old and I need new ones? Thanks hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 4:24 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,414 POSTS
It could be they are worn but I doubt it, more than likely the new pump has holes that are made slightly oversize. A way to stop them from coming loose is to use some Loctite type thread locking compound. Remove one bolt, clean out the hole with alcohol or brake parts cleaner to remove any oil or grease, then apply the locking compound and torque the bolt down to 115 inch pounds and then do the next one. Let it set up and they shouldn't come loose again.
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Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 4:50 AM
Tiny
OSEPHUS
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
Thanks Steve, I’ll give it a try.
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Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 4:58 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,414 POSTS
Most parts store will have a few varieties. Blue 243 should work for you. Buy the smallest you can find, it only takes a couple drops per bolt. Don't use Red unless you want to never remove them again, it takes heating with a torch to break that free.
You are welcome.
Please return anytime with your automotive questions.
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Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
OSEPHUS
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
Hi Steve, I tried the locktite it lasted 2 days and the bolts came out again.
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Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 AT 7:22 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,414 POSTS
There has to be an issue with the holes in the pump flange then. When you put the bolts in are they tight or really loose? What brand is the replacement pump? Could you take a picture of the parts, maybe something will show up in those.
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Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 AT 8:32 AM
Tiny
OSEPHUS
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
Steve thanks for information. I went with the red loctite with new bolts seems to be working so far. I’ll let you know.
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Wednesday, December 18th, 2019 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,414 POSTS
Are they going in with a tight fit or are they sloppy? The way they are installed they shouldn't even try to loosen as the torque on them is in shear not offset. Unless they were the wrong thread. What size wrench did you use?
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Wednesday, December 18th, 2019 AT 7:49 PM

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