Before You Begin:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts. Allow the engine to cool completely before starting. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools and Supplies: You'll need a socket set (metric), wrenches (metric), a drain pan, new coolant (the correct type for your Durango), a water pump, new gasket(s), new thermostat (recommended), possibly a new serpentine belt (depending on condition), jack stands, and possibly a pulley removal tool.
* Prepare Workspace: Work on a level surface. Have plenty of light and room to maneuver.
Steps (General Outline):
1. Drain the Coolant: Locate the radiator drain petcock (usually at the bottom of the radiator) and carefully drain the coolant into your drain pan. You may also need to drain the engine block; consult your repair manual for the location of the drain plug.
2. Remove Serpentine Belt: Use a belt tensioner tool or carefully loosen the tensioner to remove the serpentine belt. Take note of the routing before removing it; you'll need to reinstall it the same way.
3. Remove Accessory Components: Depending on your Durango's engine and the pump's location, you may need to remove some accessories to gain access to the water pump. This could include things like:
* Fan: May need to remove the fan shroud and fan.
* Pulley: The water pump pulley may need to be removed (possibly with a puller tool).
* Other components: Consult your repair manual for specific components that may obstruct access to the water pump.
4. Remove the Water Pump: Once you have access, you'll need to remove the water pump bolts. These bolts are often located around the periphery of the water pump. Take note of bolt locations and lengths.
5. Replace the Water Pump: Clean the mounting surface thoroughly. Install the new water pump gasket (if applicable) and carefully install the new water pump. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque (refer to your repair manual).
6. Reinstall Components: Reinstall any components you removed in step 3, ensuring everything is properly seated and secured.
7. Reinstall Serpentine Belt: Route the serpentine belt back onto the pulleys in the correct order. Ensure it's properly tensioned.
8. Refill Coolant: Carefully refill the cooling system with the correct type of coolant and distilled water to the proper level (consult your owner's manual).
9. Bleed the Cooling System: This is crucial to remove air pockets. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature. Check the coolant level and add more if needed. You may need to bleed the system according to your vehicle's specifications.
10. Test: Check for leaks after running the engine. Inspect carefully around the water pump, hoses, and connections.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: A factory service manual specific to your 2000 Dodge Durango is invaluable for detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your Durango to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installing the water pump can lead to serious engine damage.
* Coolant Type: Use the correct type of coolant specified for your vehicle. Mixing different types can damage the cooling system.
This guide provides a general overview. Always prioritize safety and refer to your vehicle's repair manual for precise instructions specific to your Durango's engine. Failing to follow the correct procedures can result in damage to your engine or injury to yourself.
