Before You Begin:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Allow the engine to cool completely before starting. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools and Supplies: You'll need a variety of tools, including wrenches (metric), sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), a water pump pulley remover/installer (essential!), a new water pump, coolant, new gasket(s), and possibly a new thermostat and hoses depending on their condition. A torque wrench is highly recommended.
* Repair Manual: Obtain a factory service manual or a reputable repair manual specific to your 1995 Ford Probe's engine. This is crucial for detailed instructions and torque specifications.
* Drain Coolant: Drain the coolant from the radiator and engine block. Have a suitable container ready to catch the coolant. Dispose of the coolant properly according to local regulations.
General Steps (These will vary slightly depending on your engine):
1. Access the Water Pump: This typically involves removing various components depending on engine type and access. Expect to remove things like the serpentine belt, some pulleys, and potentially the fan and shroud. Consult your repair manual for the specific steps for your engine.
2. Remove the Water Pump Pulley: This is often the most challenging step. You'll need a special pulley puller tool to remove the pulley from the water pump shaft without damaging it.
3. Remove the Water Pump: Once the pulley is off, you'll need to remove the water pump mounting bolts. These bolts are often difficult to access and may require extensions and wobble sockets. Be careful not to damage the surrounding components.
4. Inspect and Replace Gasket(s): Inspect the gasket(s) between the water pump and the engine block. Replace them with new ones to ensure a proper seal.
5. Install the New Water Pump: Install the new water pump, ensuring the gasket(s) are properly seated. Tighten the mounting bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Do this in stages, tightening in a star pattern.
6. Reinstall Components: Reinstall the pulley, serpentine belt, fan, shroud, etc., in reverse order of removal. Make sure all components are correctly aligned and securely fastened.
7. Refill Coolant System: Refill the coolant system with the correct type and amount of coolant. Bleed the air from the system according to your repair manual's instructions. This is very important to prevent overheating.
8. Test: Run the engine and check for leaks. Monitor the temperature gauge to ensure the engine is not overheating.
Important Considerations:
* Serpentine Belt Tensioner: Be cautious when working around the serpentine belt tensioner. Improper handling can cause injury.
* Torque Specifications: Always use a torque wrench and tighten bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Over-tightening can damage components, while under-tightening can cause leaks.
* Coolant Type: Use the correct type of coolant for your vehicle. Mixing different types of coolant can cause problems.
This is a simplified overview. A detailed repair manual specific to your 1995 Ford Probe is absolutely necessary to successfully complete this repair. If you are not comfortable performing this task, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Attempting this repair without proper knowledge and tools could result in significant damage to your engine.
