Here's a general overview of the steps involved. Remember, this is simplified and may not cover all variations or potential issues:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a variety of tools including wrenches (metric), sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), pliers, a drain pan, coolant recovery system cleaner, new coolant, and potentially a torque wrench. You might need special tools for specific fasteners. Consult your repair manual.
* Coolant Drainage: Allow the engine to cool completely. Locate the drain plug on the radiator and the engine block (if applicable). Position the drain pan and carefully open the drain plugs to drain the coolant.
2. Accessing the Water Pump:
* Remove Belts: Remove the serpentine belt or belts that drive the water pump. Refer to your repair manual for the proper procedure to avoid damaging the belt or other components.
* Remove Accessories: Depending on the engine and your vehicle's configuration, you may need to remove or loosen various components to gain access to the water pump, such as the fan, fan shroud, pulley, or other components obstructing access to the pump.
3. Water Pump Removal:
* Disconnect Hoses: Carefully disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses from the water pump. Have rags or containers ready to catch any remaining coolant.
* Remove Mounting Bolts: Locate and remove the bolts that secure the water pump to the engine block. These bolts can sometimes be stubborn, so use penetrating oil if needed.
* Remove the Water Pump: Once the bolts are removed, carefully remove the water pump. Be prepared for some coolant to leak out.
4. Installation of the New Water Pump:
* Clean the Mounting Surface: Thoroughly clean the engine block's mounting surface to ensure a proper seal.
* Install the New Water Pump: Install the new water pump, ensuring the gasket is correctly seated.
* Tighten Bolts: Tighten the mounting bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque (found in your repair manual). Overtightening can damage the pump or the engine block.
5. Reassembly:
* Reconnect Hoses: Reconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses to the water pump. Securely clamp them.
* Reinstall Accessories: Reinstall any components you removed earlier, such as the fan, fan shroud, or pulleys.
* Reinstall Belts: Reinstall the serpentine belt(s). Ensure proper tension.
* Refill Coolant System: Carefully refill the cooling system with the correct type and amount of coolant. Consult your owner's manual for the correct coolant type.
* Bleed the System: After refilling, bleed the air from the cooling system to prevent overheating. This usually involves opening bleed valves located at high points in the system. Again, your repair manual will detail this process.
6. Testing:
* Run the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a while, monitoring the temperature gauge and checking for any leaks.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 1995 Chrysler Cirrus LXi is absolutely essential. This response provides only a general outline.
* Professional Help: If you are not comfortable performing this repair, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improper repair can lead to serious engine damage.
This information is for guidance only. Always consult your repair manual and use caution when working on your vehicle. Improper repair can result in damage to your vehicle or personal injury.
