Warnings signs that the water pump on a Volvo 940 is going out can include a "wobbling" water pump pulley, noise coming from the pump or visible leakage around the pump. If you notice any of these symptoms, you will need to replace the water pump because the bearing is shot. Plan to spend about 90 minutes on this project. No special tools are required, so you should be able to tackle this basic repair on your own without having to make a costly trip to the repair shop.
Make sure your Volvo 940 is completely cool before you begin this project. Then, go inside the car and set the temperature control on the heater to maximum. Open the Volvo engine compartment and disconnect the negative cable from the battery using a wrench to loosen the nut on the terminal. Remove the cap from the coolant reservoir. Place a pan under the engine block and open the drain valve on the right side to drain the coolant.
Close the drain valves on the engine block and the radiator. Remove the fan shroud and fan from the radiator using a wrench to remove the bolts. Disconnect the lower radiator hose from the water pump using a screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp. Remove the retaining bolt for the coolant pipe under the exhaust manifold using a wrench. Remove the drive belt by loosening the adjusting bolt on the alternator and lifting the belt from the pulleys.
Remove the water pump pulley using a wrench. Remove the six bolts from the water pump using a socket and ratchet. Pull the pump away from the engine block. Scrape any remaining gasket material away from the engine block using the scraper.
Position a new gasket and the water pump in place on the engine block. Secure the pump by tightening the retaining bolts with the socket and ratchet. Install the water pump pulley and tighten the bolts with the wrench. Install the drive belt. Add the proper tension to the belt by tightening the adjusting bolt on the alternator. Proper belt tension is the ability to depress the belt from 1/4 to 1/2 inch on the belt's longest span.
Secure the coolant pipe under the exhaust manifold by tightening it with a wrench. Connect the lower radiator hose to the water pump and tighten the hose clamp with a screwdriver. Install the fan and shroud to the radiator. Tighten the bolts with a wrench. Refill the radiator and reservoir with engine coolant. Connect the negative battery cable and tighten the nut with a wrench. Start the Volvo and check for leakage around the work area.
