Safety First:
* Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work.
* Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
* Use jack stands to safely support the vehicle. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Allow the engine to cool completely before working on it. Hot coolant can cause serious burns.
Tools and Materials You'll Likely Need:
* Repair manual specific to your 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport (highly recommended)
* Socket set (metric)
* Wrenches (metric)
* Ratchet and extensions
* Torque wrench
* Drain pan
* New water pump (ensure it's the correct one for your engine)
* New thermostat (recommended to replace while you're in there)
* New coolant (the correct type for your vehicle)
* New gasket(s) for the water pump
* Pliers
* Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
* Shop rags or paper towels
* Funnel
General Steps (This is a simplified overview. Refer to your repair manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications):
1. Drain the coolant: Locate the drain plug on the engine block (usually low on the radiator). Place a drain pan underneath and carefully open the plug to drain the coolant.
2. Remove the serpentine belt: Consult your repair manual for the specific routing of your serpentine belt. You'll likely need to loosen and remove the tensioner pulley to remove the belt.
3. Remove the fan and shroud: This may involve removing several screws or bolts. Be careful not to damage the fan blades.
4. Remove the water pump pulley: This is usually held on by bolts.
5. Access the water pump bolts: This may require removing other components like the lower radiator hose. The water pump is usually located on the side of the engine block.
6. Remove the water pump: Carefully remove the bolts holding the water pump to the engine block. The old gasket will likely be stuck to the engine block. Gently remove it using a scraper, being careful not to damage the engine block surface.
7. Clean the mating surfaces: Thoroughly clean both the engine block and the water pump mounting surface to ensure a proper seal.
8. Install the new water pump gasket: Carefully position the new gasket on the engine block.
9. Install the new water pump: Carefully align the new water pump and install the bolts. Tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque (found in your repair manual).
10. Reinstall all removed components: Reinstall the pulley, fan, shroud, serpentine belt, and lower radiator hose. Ensure everything is properly connected.
11. Refill the cooling system: Fill the radiator with the correct type of coolant and water mixture (refer to your owner's manual for the correct ratio). Run the engine until the thermostat opens and the system is full. Check for leaks.
12. Bleed the cooling system: There may be air pockets in the system. Consult your repair manual for the correct bleeding procedure. This usually involves opening the bleed valve on the thermostat housing.
Important Considerations:
* Torque specifications are crucial: Using the wrong torque can damage the engine block or the water pump.
* Watch for corrosion: If there's significant corrosion, you might need to clean the mating surfaces with a wire brush.
* Use the correct coolant: Using the wrong coolant can damage your engine.
* This is a complex job: If you're not comfortable with this type of repair, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
This is a simplified overview, and there may be variations depending on the specific model and engine of your Jeep Cherokee. Always consult a repair manual for your specific vehicle before attempting this repair. Improper repair can lead to serious damage to your engine.
