'96 2.3L 4 cyl. Water pump

[Jewel613]

I have just discovered over the past couple days a terrible noise that resulted in the wheel for the water pump being VERY wobbly. The car is parked, and the belt hasn't broken(yet). Temps are still running cool, but am loosing A LOT of coolant when I drive. In case it matters, its also a turbo. As far as repairing or replacing it goes...does replacing the whole water pump need to be in order or can we use a rebuilt one? Is there a way to just to the shaft and wheel? I've been looking around for hours online for any insight with very little results. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[AlanG]

Hi and welcome to Saabscene.
Normal to replace the complete pump (although it splits from the part attached to the block), around £50 from GSF, an online retailer etc for a pattern part. Its easiest to do from the wheelarch after removing the liner. Also worth considering the 'o' ring on the the tube which connects from the pump into the front of the block as its easier to do it together rather than drain down again.

Sorry, didn't notice you are not in the UK, no idea of cost over there.

[Jewel613]

Thanks for the heads up on this. And also thank you for the welcome. I've been a lurker for about 6 months now, lol.

[anotherdesign]

Hi, if this is similar to the 9000 T16 2 litre Turbo 1988 model, it is perfectly possible to do without removing the wheel arch, even though the Haynes manual suggests doing so. Got the tip for doing it this way from this forum, and replaced it in January 2011 with no problem. A replacement O ring for the metal pipe was supplied along with a replacement gasket with the new pump, ordered through a small local 'one man' shop in the UK. Cost of all parts less coolant was £35 inc vat. Replaced the fan belt at the same time at a cost of £15. Good luck

[racingsnake]

Biggest problem is removing the drive belt, it can be a bit tricky to compress the tensioner, many people on here have made their own tools, I made one by grinding up a suspension spring compressor which works very well.