How do you replace a serpentine belt and water pump pulley on a 1990 Cadillac DeVille?

Answer

I just recently changed the water pump on my dad's 1990 Cadillac Deville. It was an undertaking let me tell you. First you have to take a 1/2" ratchet and position it in the place on the belt tensioning pully and pull it toward the front of the car. This will allow you to completely remove the belt. Take note as to how it is oriented around the various pulleys and the back idler pulley. I found that even after I had removed the three bolts that hold the water pump pulley to the water pump itself, I couldn't just remove the pulley. There wasn't enough room between the pulley and the frame. I was removing the water pump anyway, so I painstakingly removed all of the water pump mounting bolts and nuts, and removed the pump with the pulley loose. There are several bolts you can't get to anyway, unless you take the pulley bolts out. I just had to move the pulley to one side or the other in order to get to the bolts under the pulley. Installing the new pump had to be done in the reverse order. The lip of the pulley catches on the water pump shaft and that keeps you from being able to remove it. There may be an easier way, but I couldn't find one. I didn't want to take a lot of parts off to just to get the pulley out of my way. It's tough, but it can be done. I have the cut up hands to prove it. I hope this info helps you.

First answer by darcie. Last edit by Roger Tarrant. Question popularity: 71 [recommend question]