Water pump replacement issues?

2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA
199,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KRALLS090105
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
So my car has been dumping water for awhile, inspected hoses, realized it was coming from the water pump. Replaced it, eat enough I though, only 10 bolts and the new one was on. I take it for a test drive and there's a very loud screeching sound, especially when I accelerate. Now I know that's the belt, is also smoking now. Water pump isn't leaking but what's this about?? I assumed I messed up the belt routing but everything seems correct? It's almost like maybe I tightened the pulley too much? Like maybe like it's not spinning?? Please help.
Sep 10, 2025 at 10:40 PM
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STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,176 POSTS
Yes, I would remove the belt and see if the water pump pulley spins freely and the other pulleys as well. Here is the serpentine belt routing so you can make sure that is correct. Also I have seen too long of a bolt installed in the pulley which will cause it not to spin FYI. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see.
Sep 11, 2025 at 10:22 AM
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