The 2006 Pontiac G6 is a compact vehicle, so a number of parts and components are installed within close proximity. The water pump on the G6 is connected to the thermostat housing, so you must work with both of these parts to replace the water pump. Failure to replace a malfunctioning water pump puts the engine at risk of overheating, because it won't always receive the proper amount of coolant.
Loosen the drivebelt tensioner using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet on the tensioner hole. Note the routing path of the drivebelt so it can be put back on appropriately. Remove the drivebelt.
Open the cap on the coolant expansion tank in the engine compartment. Open the drain valve, and drain the coolant into a large container.
Disconnect the electrical connector for the ECT sensor. Unscrew and remove the sensor from the thermostat housing using a deep socket, extension and ratchet.
Detach any harnesses connected to the thermostat housing. Disconnect the outlet hose at the expansion tank. Disconnect the radiator hose at the thermostat housing cover. Most of the hoses require the use pliers on the hose clamps to remove them.
Remove the three bolts on the exhaust manifold heat shield with a wrench. Remove the exhaust manifold heat shield.
Detach the heater hoses from the thermostat housing at their hose clamps. Unbolt the housing with your wrench. Twist the housing away from the water pump to remove it and the water pipe. Separate the pipe from the housing.
Raise the car's front end and support it on jack stands. Remove the right front wheel. Unbolt and remove the fender splash shield with your wrench.
Unbolt and remove the water pump's access cover, located to the left of the drivebelt tensioner.
Connect a holding tool (the exact tool is named J-43651 at auto service departments) to the water pump sprocket, and make sure the sprocket can't move.
Remove the bolts connecting the pump to the sprocket with a wrench. Remove the bolts connecting the pump to the engine block using your wrench. Remove the pump. You may need to tap it with a soft-face hammer to loosen it.
Clean the bolt threads and bolt holes. Clean off all traces of gasket material from the sealing surface using a gasket scraper and acetone.
Insert a threaded stud into the pump flange to use as a guide pin. Install the new water pump. Install and tighten the bolts to the engine block with a wrench. Remove your guide pin. Install and tighten the bolts to the sprocket with a wrench.
Reinstall the water pump cover with its bolts and your wrench.
Lubricate the water pipe's seal lightly with silicon gel before connecting it to the pump. Reconnect the thermostat housing and water pipe.
Reconnect the fender splash shield and the wheel. Lower the car off the jack stands.
Reconnect the exhaust manifold heat shield.
Wrap the ECT connector's threads with Teflon tape. Connect the radiator hose, ECT connector and all harnesses to the thermostat cover.
Refill the engine coolant tank, using a fresh mix of water and coolant if the used coolant is contaminated.
Reconnect the drivebelt using the ratchet on the tensioner, making sure it follows the same path as before.
