2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 water pump replacement
This video walks through replacing the water pump on a 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500, covering removal of the old pump and installation of a new unit along with the necessary tools and materials. It demonstrates draining the cooling system, removing obstructing components, swapping the pump and gasket, refilling and bleeding the coolant, and verifying there are no leaks.
Build Sequence
1. Preparation and safety
Park on level ground, set parking brake, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts. Allow engine to cool completely before starting work.
2. Drain the cooling system
Place a drain pan under the radiator or engine block drain plug and open the drain to remove coolant. Remove radiator cap (if cold) to speed draining. Dispose of old coolant properly.
3. Remove accessory components blocking access
Remove the serpentine belt using a belt tool or breaker bar, and take off any shrouds, fan assemblies, or brackets that obstruct access to the water pump.
4. Unbolt and remove the old water pump
Remove the mounting bolts holding the water pump, disconnect hoses and any sensors attached to the pump, then carefully remove the old pump. Clean the mating surface on the engine block to remove old gasket material.
5. Install new pump and gasket
Position the new gasket and water pump, start bolts by hand, then tighten to the manufacturer's torque specification in a criss-cross pattern. Replace any seals as needed.
6. Reinstall accessories and belt
Reinstall any removed brackets, fan/shroud, and reinstall the serpentine belt routed correctly. Verify belt tension.
7. Refill coolant and bleed the system
Refill the cooling system with specified coolant mixture, use a funnel/bleeder to expel trapped air, start the engine and run until thermostat opens and coolant circulates, topping off as needed.
8. Final checks and test drive
Inspect for leaks around the new pump and hoses, verify temperature stays normal during operation, and perform a short test drive to ensure everything functions correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a water pump replacement take?
For a competent DIYer with the right tools expect about 2–4 hours. Time varies with experience, whether additional components must be removed, and how easily bolts come out.
VIEW FULL ARTICLE →How do I bleed air from the cooling system after installing the pump?
Refill coolant with the engine cold, run the engine with the heater on high, open bleed screws if equipped, and top off the reservoir as air purges. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature and recheck coolant levels, repeating until no air pockets remain.
VIEW FULL ARTICLE →What coolant should I use for a 2017 Silverado 1500?
Use the coolant type specified in the owner's manual (GM Dex-Cool is commonly used for many GM vehicles). Use the correct concentration and follow manufacturer recommendations for your engine.
VIEW FULL ARTICLE →What are common causes of premature water pump failure?
Common causes include bearing wear, contaminated or improperly mixed coolant, exterior leaks from failed seals, corrosion from wrong coolant, and accessory belt problems placing extra stress on the pump.
VIEW FULL ARTICLE →Do I need to replace the thermostat or serpentine belt when replacing the water pump?
Not always required, but it's a good preventative service to inspect the thermostat and belt. If the belt shows wear or the thermostat is old, replace them while you have the system apart to save future labor.
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Parts Used (3)
New replacement water pump for 2014–2018 Silverado 1500 (fits engine dependent). Verify engine size and VIN for correct part.
New gasket or O-ring recommended to ensure proper seal when installing the new pump.
Pre-mixed 50/50 or concentrate mixed to spec. Amount depends on how much was drained and system size — refill and top off as needed.