How do you replace a water pump on a Mazda 2001 Protege?

Unfortunately for you, I do not know anything specific about your model of car,but

replacing water pumps are, or at least used to be, something that an amateur could

do. With some guidance from my Dad, but with armed only with common sense, I replaced the water pump on my 1965 Plymouth when I was in college and had no extra

money.

Buy a new or rebuilt water pump.

The pump should come with a gasket.

You may want to replace the belt that turns it and the hoses that connect it to the

engine and radiator.

as well as the other belts if you have to take them off to get to water pump.

What you do is first drain the radiator, saving the antifreeze.

Then loosen the belt that turns the water pump, loosen the clamps that hold

the hoses that connect to the pump , remove the old pump. put the new one back

one ,and reconnect the hoses and belts and refill the radiator. Check for leaks.

I did this in the summer -- I would try in the winter .