My Story - Replacing Water Pump

[lobsterlu]

So as most of you know, i have major trouble with the X5 here and there. You've seen my post but now really i want to post and reflect on my progress.

Left front wheel, still shaking after replacing the bushing for the tension rod, (which had to be done) and also the Lower Control arm. I know for a fact its now the wheel bearing.

Now, for awhile coolant has been dripping from the bottom and i almost want to cry when i get into this car b/c i owe, and have no warranty left.

Now, down to the gritty. i took the car to midas and got it checked. they said water pump is dead. =( how much i ask.. 900$. WHAT!?
yeah well its low, but right now i am getting married (need to save money) and also just cant see myself spending that much.

I got the water pump, Temp, gaskets... and replaced it myself. Took 6 hrs. Took a time out here and there..

SO, really guys, get all the tools u need. the fan clutch is not easy to get off. Get the tool for it and a 1, 1/4 wrench. once all this is taken off, remember to either a, take out the bleeder screw to the radiator, or screw it back in. i lost it while taking the radiator off. but found a replacement. that took almost 1 hr there.

take off the aluminum line that goes from the left side to the right side. i am now sure what this does but looks like a vacuum line. be careful to drop any screws!

once u have the belt off, the fan off.. everything else is very easy. after some cuts, blood dripping, coolant burning my hands and friends as well.. it was a success. the gasket for the old pump was DEAD. but i replaced everything. the impeller was making noises towards the end, and the wheel instead of moving in a circle , it also move side to side. not a good sign. also guys, the new pump is metal in the inside, the one on the car was plastic! once you have everything, clean the old gasket off the car. there wasnt much left thou, but still. either a brillow pad, or a razor blade.

put everything on, but not 100%, leave the radiator etc loose. but CHECK ALL THE TUBES! when we filled it back up, we forgot a small hose on the bottom back left part of the pump. spilled maybe 2 cups worth of coolant. once we got it on,turn car on and added coolant and water as we went. screw it all back together and your good to go. also DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE BOLTS!!!! to the pump. they will snap!. the top middle long screw snapped. it doesnt really hurt thou, the other bolts hold the whole pump in place very well. (crossing fingers).

i would suggest, get all your tools, get atleast 2 of your friends to help. the lifting of the radiator is not fun.. its easy to do all this. i would recommend it.. with friends everything is fun. just make sure you have lots of time..

-luis
fyi, does anyone in miami know how to replace the bearing? i need some help on it. its pressed into the hub so i need to take it out and then place the new one in. is there a DIY that i missed?
2002, x5 4.4i