5ktq Water Pump R&R

[Mike Veglia]

I should remember this having just done a timing belt job on this car a few
months back, but I don't. Something about memory and aging I guess.

Due to my sudden radiator failure my near-new water pump now makes a nasty
sounding noise--I suspect from running out of water. (It was nice and
quiet--no gobbling noises or anything like that--before and I was very
careful not to over-tension the T-Belt.)

My question is, do I need to remove the harmonic balancer in order to get
the shields off to access the water pump for R&R? Since the T-Belt is nearly
new I was going to just release tension, being careful not to let the belt
slip, and swap the pump. Is this doable, or, should I just plan on doing the
whole T-Belt job over again? (Good to know in advance so I can go borrow the
crank lock tool.)

BTW, thanks to all who have offered radiators! The q-list is truly a
wonderful place when it comes to offers of help.

Mike Veglia
Motor Sport Visions Photography
http://www.motorsportvisions.com