Here's a general overview of the steps involved. Remember, this is not a complete guide and should only be used as supplemental information alongside a proper repair manual:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools: You'll need various wrenches (metric), sockets, a ratchet, a torque wrench, possibly a pulley puller, coolant drain pan, new coolant, new water pump gasket/seal, and potentially a new thermostat and housing (often replaced at the same time for preventative maintenance).
* Coolant Drain: Locate the coolant drain plug (usually on the radiator or engine block) and drain the coolant completely into your drain pan. Allow ample time for the engine to cool completely before starting.
2. Accessing the Water Pump:
* Belt Removal: Remove the serpentine belt (or accessory drive belt). This usually involves loosening tensioner pulleys. Consult your repair manual for the proper procedure; incorrect tensioner release can result in injury.
* Component Removal: You may need to remove other components to access the water pump, such as the fan shroud, fan, and possibly some pulleys or brackets. The repair manual will guide you on which components to remove and the order of removal.
3. Water Pump Removal:
* Disconnect Hoses: Disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses from the water pump. Be prepared for some coolant leakage.
* Remove Bolts: Carefully remove the bolts holding the water pump to the engine block.
* Remove the Water Pump: Gently pry the water pump from the engine block. The gasket will likely remain stuck to either the engine block or the water pump. Clean both surfaces thoroughly.
4. Installation:
* Clean Surfaces: Clean the mating surfaces of the engine block and the new water pump meticulously. Any debris can prevent a proper seal.
* Install Gasket/Seal: Install a new gasket or seal onto the water pump (if required) according to the instructions.
* Install Water Pump: Carefully align the new water pump and bolt it to the engine block, tightening the bolts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure. Use the torque wrench and follow the torque specifications in your repair manual precisely.
* Reconnect Components: Reattach all the components you removed earlier (hoses, pulleys, brackets, fan, etc.) in reverse order of removal.
* Refill Coolant: Fill the radiator and coolant reservoir with the correct type and amount of coolant.
* Bleed Air: Bleed the cooling system to remove any air pockets. This is crucial to prevent overheating. Consult your repair manual for the correct procedure.
* Check for Leaks: Run the engine and check for any leaks around the water pump and hoses.
Important Considerations:
* Year and Engine: The procedure varies significantly depending on the year and engine of your Chrysler Cirrus. A 2.5L engine will have a different procedure than a 2.7L engine.
* Torque Specifications: Using the correct torque specifications is crucial to prevent damage to the engine block or the water pump.
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your vehicle is essential. Attempting this repair without one is highly discouraged.
If you're not comfortable with this level of automotive repair, take your Cirrus to a qualified mechanic. Improperly replacing the water pump can lead to engine damage.
