Pontiac Repair: water pump, grand am gt, chain tensioner

Question
I have a 1998 Grand Am GT 2.4L Twin Cam that is leaking water from the water pump.  Is there a way I can change the pump on my own?

Answer
Hey Keith:

No this is a big job even if your handy. The front of the engine has to be taken apart and the timing chain removed before the pump can be changed. The timing chain has to be put on the right way or you will damage the engine when you try to start it If the chain is off a few teeth on the gears it's disaster.the part is pretty cheap but the labor is pretty pricey like 6 hours to change the pump. Whil your getting that fixed have them replace the chain tensioner and shoe for the tensioner if this car has a lot of miles on it just for piece of mind! Good luck :)