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

By | April 4, 2022

How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump 2008-2016
If you have a 2008-2016 Chevy Cruze with a 1.4L engine and the water pump has gone bad, it is often replaced by DIY individuals.

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

How to Replace a 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.
How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Location 2

Tools and Parts Needed

  • New Water Pump
  • E-TORX Star Socket Set
  • Standard Socket Set
  • *This site contains affiliate paid links for which a commission earned.
    Example E-TORX Star Socket Set on Amazon
    SEDY 14-Pieces Female E-TORX Star Socket Set with Red Case, 1/4″ 3/8″ 1/2″ Drive, Female External Star Socket Set, E4 – E24 Torque Socket Set
    Example Chevy Cruze Water Pump on Amazon
    GMB 130-2140 OE Replacement Water Pump with Gasket

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

    1. Remove the air intake box.
    2. How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Step 1

    3. Unbolt the bolts on the front motor mount and remove it.
    4. How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Step 3

    5. Loosen the three bolts on the water pump pulley. (Once the belt is removed, they are harder to loosen.)
    6. How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Step 2.2

    7. Remove the belt.
    8. How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Step 3.3

    9. The belt tensioner is the small pulley.
    10. How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Step 4

    11. Unbolt the three bolts on the water pump pulley and remove it.
    12. How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Step 5

    13. Remove the thermostat which is bolted on the water pump.
    14. How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Step 6

    15. Remove the small hose attached to the water pump with a clamp.
    16. How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Step 7

    17. Using an E10 socket remove the bolts on the water pump and remove it.
    18. How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Step 8

    19. Once the pump is out, clean up the area where the new gasket will go.
    20. Along with the new gasket, install the new water pump.
    21. How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Step 10

    22. Reattach the small hose, thermostat, and belt.
    23. How to Replace a Chevy Cruze Water Pump Step 11

    24. 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.

    Have you replaced the water pump on a 2008-2016 Chevy Cruze? Let us know your thoughts below.

    Category: Chevy General Automotive Repair

    About Bob Thomas

    Bob Thomas is an automotive mechanic with 30 plus years experience. He is a contributor to several publications and has written many articles on automotive maintenance and repairs. He also has created many auto repair videos on YouTube.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.