Here's a general overview of the process. This is not a complete guide and should not be used as a sole source for this repair.
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a variety of wrenches (metric), sockets, ratchet, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), pliers, a drain pan, coolant recovery container, jack stands, jack, torque wrench, and possibly a pulley puller depending on the design.
* Coolant Drain: Drain the coolant completely into your drain pan. Locate the drain plug on the radiator and engine block.
* Consult a Repair Manual: Find the specific steps for your engine in your repair manual. The procedure will vary slightly depending on the engine.
2. Accessing the Water Pump:
* Remove Serpentine Belt: This usually involves loosening the tensioner pulley. Refer to your repair manual for the specific procedure.
* Remove Related Components: This might include removing the fan shroud, fan, and possibly other components to gain better access to the water pump. Your repair manual will detail this.
* Disconnect Hoses: Carefully disconnect the hoses attached to the water pump. Be prepared for some coolant spillage.
3. Water Pump Removal:
* Remove Mounting Bolts: Carefully remove the bolts holding the water pump to the engine block.
* Remove Water Pump: The water pump should now be able to be removed. It might be stubborn, requiring some gentle persuasion.
4. Water Pump Installation:
* Clean the Mounting Surface: Thoroughly clean the engine block mounting surface for the new water pump.
* Install Gasket (if applicable): Install a new gasket on the engine block (if required – some pumps come pre-gasketted).
* Install New Water Pump: Carefully install the new water pump, ensuring it is properly aligned.
* Tighten Bolts: Tighten the mounting bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque (found in your repair manual).
5. Reassembly:
* Reconnect Hoses: Reconnect all hoses and clamps securely.
* Reinstall Components: Reinstall any components you removed earlier (fan, shroud, etc.).
* Install Serpentine Belt: Reinstall the serpentine belt.
* Refill Coolant: Refill the cooling system with the correct type and amount of coolant (check your owner's manual).
* Bleed the Cooling System: This is crucial to remove air pockets. Refer to your repair manual for the bleeding procedure. This usually involves running the engine and monitoring the coolant level and temperature.
6. Testing:
* Check for Leaks: After running the engine, carefully inspect for any leaks around the water pump and hoses.
* Monitor Temperature: Monitor the engine temperature gauge to ensure it's operating within the normal range.
Again, this is a simplified overview. Replacing a water pump requires precise steps and knowledge of automotive systems. Using a repair manual specific to your 2001 Dodge Intrepid and its engine is essential. If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
