Tools You'll Need:
* Repair Manual: Absolutely essential for specific torque specs and procedures.
* Jack and Jack Stands: Safety first! Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel Chocks: To secure the vehicle.
* Wrench Set (metric): Various sizes, including sockets, ratchets, and extensions.
* Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead):
* Pliers: Needle-nose and slip-joint.
* Drain Pan: For coolant.
* New Water Pump: Make sure you get the correct one for your specific engine.
* New Thermostat (recommended): While you're in there, replacing the thermostat is a good preventative measure.
* New Water Pump Gasket:
* Coolant: The correct type for your vehicle.
* New Hose Clamps (if needed):
* Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specification.
* Gloves and Safety Glasses: Protect yourself.
Procedure (General Steps - Refer to your repair manual for specifics):
1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Place the vehicle on jack stands and secure it with wheel chocks.
2. Drain the Coolant: Locate the drain plug on the radiator and the engine block (if applicable). Place your drain pan underneath and carefully open the plugs to drain the coolant.
3. Remove the Serpentine Belt: Consult your repair manual for the correct procedure for your vehicle. This usually involves loosening the tensioner pulley.
4. Remove Accessories as Needed: You may need to remove or loosen components that interfere with access to the water pump, such as the fan, fan shroud, or other pulleys. This is highly dependent on your specific engine and will be detailed in your repair manual.
5. Remove the Water Pump: This often involves removing several bolts holding the pump to the engine block. You'll likely need to carefully pry the pump off, as it might be stuck due to corrosion.
6. Replace the Water Pump Gasket: Clean the mating surfaces of the engine block and the new water pump thoroughly before installing the new gasket.
7. Install the New Water Pump: Carefully align the new water pump and gasket, and install the bolts, tightening them to the specifications outlined in your repair manual. Do not overtighten.
8. Reinstall Components: Reinstall any components you removed earlier, such as the fan, fan shroud, and serpentine belt.
9. Refill Coolant: Carefully refill the cooling system with the correct type of coolant. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct mixture of coolant and water.
10. Bleed the Cooling System: This is crucial to remove any air bubbles from the system. Refer to your repair manual for the specific bleeding procedure for your vehicle. Often this involves running the engine with the radiator cap off (carefully!) until the thermostat opens and coolant flows freely.
11. Check for Leaks: After the engine has cooled, check for any leaks around the water pump and other connections.
12. Test Drive: Take the vehicle for a short test drive to ensure the cooling system is working properly. Monitor the temperature gauge.
Important Considerations:
* Corrosion: The bolts holding the water pump may be corroded and difficult to remove. Penetrating oil can help.
* Torque Specs: Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the correct specifications. Overtightening can damage the engine block or the water pump.
* Coolant Type: Use the correct type of coolant recommended by Dodge for your vehicle.
* Repair Manual: This is not a substitute for a repair manual. The detailed instructions and diagrams in a repair manual are essential for a successful repair.
This is a complex job, and attempting it without experience or the proper tools could result in damage to your engine. If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
