lexina

Hi, How do you remove the water pump 2 studs? I wanted to make sure i have all the needed tools before starting my timing belt and pump removal. and what's the best way to remove the hydraulic tensioner? or just remove the 2 bolts and let it plunge off? Thanks

code58

Just remove the 2 bolts and let the tensioner "fly free". Actually it won't fly, it will simply come out like it should.
The 2 W/P bolts are what are called "inside torxs", meaning the are torx, but takes a socket instead of an insert torx. They are tight enough that I broke the torx end off of the 1 trying to take them out. I believe I was able to get a "needle nose vise grip" on the stud and then used a double nut to put it back in once I had changed the W/P. I do remember I wire brushed it good with a bench grinder with a fine brush so that it went back in easy. Their idea was good to put an inside torx on the end to get it out but steel tends to seize in aluminum and comes loose with a snap. In case you haven't done one of these before, the manual tells you to do a lot of things you don't have to. I didn't remove the timing gears and whatever else is in the way, I just slipped the pump in behind that road block at a 45 degree angle, put the 2 long bolts back in and was on my way. Don't put any sealer on the W/P gasket, it's another piece of fine engineering and doesn't use sealer. Good Luck!

Nad1370

As for the waterpump studs...you don't have to take them out.
Just jack the motor up(2x4 under the oilpan) just a bit and the waterpump will clear.

Rog is right. No need to take the gears off.

code58

Thanks for the reminder Nad. I didn't remember taking the studs out till I got the W/P off. I had tried to take the bolts out before taking the W/P off, that's how I broke the torx end off of the 1. I did take the bolts out before I put the new pump on though and replaced the long bolts after the pump was on.

salimshah

Not too long ago, I saw some one post a video about changing the timing belt and the mechanic broke the stud and then showed that by jacking up the engine one can live with studs-in-place.


Here is the link
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...belt-done.html

Salim

lexina

Thank you everyone for the tips. I believe the two studs needed to be removed because the wp needs to be tilted to be removed as the metal plate is in the way.

clonestar

Does anyone know the specs on the water pump studs? Re: length, diameter, thread pitch, etc. ??

carguy07

I think you can just get an OE replacement off ebay

salimshah

Or even price through dealership. This'll take the guessing out and might be cheaper as you don't have to pay shipping/handling.

All of the above applies if the old studs were removed successfully.

Salim