Water pump replacement

Tiny
DQ671
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 NISSAN XTERRA
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • MANUAL
  • 119,000 MILES
Hi, I need some guidance on how to get to the water pump and removal also replacing thermostat. I just purchased the vehicle runs very strong but I did notice the belts squeaking on start up and while driving. I’m not sure wich belt it is yet as there’s 3 belts on here but I saw the alternator belt in bad shape. I did check the coolant it was quite low and as I drove it for about 30 to 45 mins I notice my ac got warm and temp came up on the cluster so I opened the hood and sure enough I can here bubbling in the hose and in the return tank of the coolant. So I purchased some coolant topped it off. So far idled roughly 30 mins temp seems to stay steady in the middle.I picked up a code PO327 but I don’t suggest that’s the problem here. I’m thinking water pump or thermostat. Also I’m not familiar with this year and model but does the timing belt or chain have to be removed as well to get to the water pump? Need some help thank you.


Note: fan is blowing and I have not notice or detected any leakage. After adding coolant and idling for 45 mins coolant level remains. I did open up cap while vehicle was running and there is circulation wich therefore maybe it’s not the water pump idk.
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Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 AT 10:43 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
If I were you, I would lower the coolant level slightly then do a test for a blown head gasket, this video and if it check okay try the water pump and thermostat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zpNjYmmiYY

Also, spin the fan clutch, you should have resistance, if not the clutch is bad, also when the engine was running hot did you hear the fan clutch kick in? Also, I would check the radiator for blockage internally and externally. Use a garden hose to pressure wash the cooling fins. Please go over this guide as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Here is how to replace the water pump, thermostat and fan clutch. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
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Monday, August 4th, 2025 AT 2:04 PM
Tiny
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Thank you I have stripped the whole front part. Today I drove the vehicle for about an hour I noticed the temp got higher on 45 mins in. Occasionally it dropped back to normal then back up high until the ac started going warm. I drove it back home and oops one of the smaller hoses connected to the side of the thermostat housing busted. It was a very bad thinned out hose so I ended up stripping down the front I’m going to go ahead and throw in a new water pump and thermostat with new belts and see what happens. As far as blown head I did most of inspection and nothing that points to a blown head. I’ll keep this thread posted updated once I’m done. Thank you
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Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 AT 5:43 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, please let us know, I am interested.
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Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 AT 8:49 AM
Tiny
DQ671
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  • 20 POSTS
Hey Ken so I changed out the thermostat /water pump all new belts. It was doing ok but then I noticed the temp stayed steady and got no codes in the engine but today I notice the motor shaking and I still hear the gurgling sound in the hoses from the radiator. The coolant is still good no massive drop. Tested the fan clutch that was ok I also flushed the radiator with a hose earlier I think that might’ve helped a little but even after driving for about 45 mins to an hour I notice the vehicle wanting to bog out. Got home and waited on idle the temp never rose up but the engine started shaking. I then started it up and now the vehicle won’t start up. It cranks over but it won’t start.
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Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 AT 11:10 PM
Tiny
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Here’s a video of what it sounds like in the hose
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Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 AT 11:12 PM
Tiny
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Note : I meant to say I flushed the grills of the radiator not inside. Not to strong just lightly sprayed to clear any debris
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Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 AT 11:14 PM
Tiny
DQ671
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  • 20 POSTS
I’m cranking it but it’s hesitant and just won’t start up. I got a code misfire cylinder one. There’s oil on the plug where you screw it on. Nothing on tip or top or boot.
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Thursday, August 7th, 2025 AT 12:52 AM
Tiny
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This is how it’s running when it does start didn’t do this prior to changing water pump and thermostat
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Thursday, August 7th, 2025 AT 3:49 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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O wow, that is not good. It seems like the head gasket let go, I would remove the spark plugs and pressurize the cooling system, then step back as you crank the engine over because coolant might shoot out of one of the spark plug holes, please shoot a video oft he test. Here is a guide to help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Thursday, August 7th, 2025 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
DQ671
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Aww man I was hoping that wasn’t the case. At this point I may just pull it to a shop and have it diagnosed as I don’t have those tools to do the test. But I really love this car and willing to get it back. Thanks for your time and I’ll be sure to update with the shops diagnosis.
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Thursday, August 7th, 2025 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, you can rent the pressure checker from the auto part store for free. Sorry I didn't tell you on the last post. Please let me know what the shop says.
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Friday, August 8th, 2025 AT 10:10 AM
Tiny
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Quick question, I just remembered while I was changing out water pump I was trying to loosen up the fan clutch screws and was turning the motor counter clockwise backwards to get to the screws. Spark plugs was still in. Could that have thrown the timing chain off or jump. I know I over turned the engine almost a full circle backwards.
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Friday, August 8th, 2025 AT 10:47 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Most of the time, no, but if the timing chain was badly worn and has "play" it could happen.
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Friday, August 8th, 2025 AT 11:19 AM
Tiny
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Ah I see ok well I’ll keep you posted thanks again
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Friday, August 8th, 2025 AT 11:24 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Np.
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Friday, August 8th, 2025 AT 12:21 PM

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