question about water pump

[Empire932@optonline.net]

This is my First post in this forum..And i just bought a 1994 Mazda MX-3 from my uncle. It has 100,000 miles on it. brand new front tires. I bought it for $100 so i saw it as a steal. but it needs a new water pump..At first it just leaked..then one day the water pump just stopped working. Would it be best to just replace the whole pump? or can a refurbish it or not? sorry about the questions..but also how would i go about changing the pump?
Thank you for all/any replies

[millyowner]

I'd only go with a new factory Mazda water pump. They aren't too expensive. Aftermarkets are known to have problems. Timing belt has to come off. It's best to replace all the belts and oil seals while you're in there.

[Empire932@optonline.net]

where would i find one?? like i did look at autozone.com..and they have alot of different brands..which one is a good one. how do i know if its the stock replacement..sorry for the dumb questions

[millyowner]

I've had good success with http://www.mazdapontiacgmcparts.net/

A local Mazda dealer likely can't match the price.

[Empire932@optonline.net]

I couldnt find anything for the mx-3..or did i just not look hard enough?
is the stock water pump mazda brand? or something different?

once again sorry for the dumb questions

[millyowner]

Looks like they've removed a few older models from the drop-down list. If you call their toll-free number with your VIN number handy, they can look up any part for you and give you a quote or take orders that way. I'm fairly certain that the water pumps were made in-house by Mazda. They have steel impellars while some aftermarket ones I've seen use plastic and fail before the timing belt does. Other ones just start leaking for no reason after recently being replaced.

[Empire932@optonline.net]

ohh ok..b/c yea the pump use to leak..and then all of a sudden it just stopped..but yea i'll try calling them.
should i also replace the timing belt?? how hard is it to replace that?

[millyowner]

The belt has to come off to change the water pump anyway. It's not an easy job if you haven't done something like it before. It would take someone experienced at least several hours.

[Empire932@optonline.net]

one of my co-workers boyfriends said he would do it for $100 is that a good deal?? i know its a deal but is it like a REALLY good deal?..

[millyowner]

He may not realize what he's getting into. I'd proceed with caution.