The water pump sends the engine coolant into the engine. If the pump is not working, it will lead to overheating and thus needs to be changed. The water pump on a 2000 Toyota Camry can be very difficult to reach and remove due to the multiple engine parts connected to it or in its way. You should check with your mechanic before attempting to change the water pump; professional service is highly recommended.
Disconnect the car's negative battery cable.
Drain the engine coolant by placing a large container under the radiator drain and opening the drain fitting; you may need pliers to open the fitting and a 3/8 inch diameter hose on the fitting. Repeat this at the engine block drain plug.
Remove the timing belt--this requires you to remove the right front wheel, coolant overflow tank, drive belts, spark plugs and alternator. Turn all sprockets and cylinders to the Top Down Center position.
Unbolt and remove the Number 1 and Number 2 idler pulleys if the car has a four cylinder engine; this will require an Allen wrench. Remove the camshaft sprockets on a V6 engine.
Remove the alternator adjusting bar on a four cylinder engine by removing its bolt with a flare-nut wrench. If the car has an engine oil cooler, unbolt and disconnect the air conditioning compressor without disconnecting its refrigerant lines.
Disconnect the bolt connecting the water inlet pipe to the alternator adjuster on a V6 engine, then remove the inlet pipe and thermostat. Remove the Number 3 timing belt cover by releasing the wiring harness clips and pulling the harness back.
Remove the bolts for the water pump and remove the pump. Take note of where each bolt is located, especially if the bolts are of different lengths. If the pump is stuck, tap it with a soft-face hammer.
Clean off all the sealing surfaces using lacquer thinner or acetone, removing all traces of the old gaskets, sealer and O-rings.
Install the replacement water pump with a new gasket, sealer and O-rings. Tighten the bolts to 78 inch-pounds on a four cylinder engine and 69 foot-pounds on a V6; tighten them in several even steps.
Reinstall the timing belt and all the other engine parts in the reverse order of removal.
Refill the engine coolant at the radiator; use an fresh mix of water and antifreeze if the old coolant is contaminated.
