I think a good number of the posters here have some experience doing various
levels of automobile maintenance. So when you read about someone replacing
this or that, it probably should not be considered a "professional"
statement, but most of these folks have turned a wrench or two.

Mazda, like other vendors, uses twin cam engines where the cams are driven
by a timing belt. The timing belt spins a couple of other things besides the
cams, one of those is the water pump. That's why you will often see timing
belt changes accompanied by water pump replacement. Conversely, if you are
going to change the water pump, you should consider changing out the timing
belt at the same time, unless it is reasonably new (which, if it is,
suggests that the water pump should have been changed at the same time).
Other replacement components are the tensioner and idler pulley.

If, in reading this so far, you haven't a clue as to what I am saying, then
you should consider a different level of involvement vs. the one you
described. My suggestion would be to enlist the help of a automotively
minded friend who can assist and guide you through the steps to get this
done while teaching you the fundamentals of auto repair. A decent manual is
typically required, but there are some details that you will have to figure
out for yourself, especially if you rely on something like a Haynes.

In essence, it is merely a series of steps that must be taken in order to
accomplish the job. It is fair to warn you that these steps require a
certain level of knowledge and skill. It's not at all rocket science, but
can be daunting for a beginner. We all have to begin somewhere, however.

I do stuff like this because, as you point out, it saves money. But the
other reason, probably more compelling for me, is that I simply don't trust
the rank and file auto mechanics out there to do the job correctly. If I do
it, I know it will be done right; that's worth something to me. If you have
a mechanic you can trust (and there are certainly good ones to be found),
then it's a matter of money and the inconvenience of drop off, pick up,
rental car, etc.

Ken

"Danish" > wrote in message
om...
> Hi Guys
>
> I know this is a Miata forum but its also the only ram. forum for
> mazda. I'd just like to know what is involved in replacing the
> waterpump on the above car?
>
> I'd like to do it myself and save money on labor if its not too tricky
> and I can do it with the typical do-it-yourselfer tools.
>
> What are the steps involved?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Danish