How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump (2008-2016) 1.4L

It is a straightforward job which, like many vehicles, requires working in small spaces.

All the work is mainly done from the front top of the engine with little to no need to be underneath the car.

Symptoms of a Bad Chevy Cruze Water Pump

• Water Pump Leaking
• Overheating
• Coolant or Sweet smell from the engine

A bad water pump will almost always leak from the bottom.

The leak may be small and hard to see, but there is a hole at the bottom that will drip out coolant when the pump goes bad.

The engine will likely overheat since no coolant is being pumped through the engine to keep it cool.

Often there is a smell of coolant from the engine, which is often described as a sweet smell.

Chevy Cruze Water Pump Location

The water pump on a Chevy Cruze is located at the front of the engine and is behind the top pulley.

Once the belt and pulley are removed, the water pump can be unbolted and removed.

Tools and Parts Needed

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Example Chevy Cruze Water Pump on Amazon
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How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump (2008-2016) 1.4L Engine

1. Remove the air intake box.



2. Unbolt the bolts on the front motor mount and remove it.



3. Loosen the three bolts on the water pump pulley. (Once the belt is removed, they are harder to loosen.)



4. Remove the belt.



5. The belt tensioner is the small pulley.



6. Unbolt the three bolts on the water pump pulley and remove it.



7. Remove the thermostat which is bolted on the water pump.



8. Remove the small hose attached to the water pump with a clamp.



9. Using an E10 socket remove the bolts on the water pump and remove it.



10. Once the pump is out, clean up the area where the new gasket will go.



11. Along with the new gasket, install the new water pump.



12. Reattach the small hose, thermostat, and belt.



13. Reinstall the air box, motor mount, and add coolant back into the system.

Summary
Replacing the water pump on a 2008-2016 Chevy Cruze with a 1.4L engine is a common task done by many backyard mechanics.

Often the hardest part is unbolting and tightening back up the bolts to the water pump pulley.

Be sure to loosen the water pump bolts before removing the belt which makes the task easier.

Likewise, getting the bolts tightened again is easier, with the belt helping to hold it in place.

Replacing a water pump on almost any vehicle is a good way for a DIY individual to save money.

Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your car to a professional.