Before You Begin:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a variety of wrenches (metric), sockets, a ratchet, a torque wrench, pliers, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), possibly a puller for the water pump pulley, and a drain pan. A shop manual with diagrams will be invaluable.
* Coolant Drain: Drain the engine coolant completely. This is crucial to avoid a messy and potentially hazardous situation. Locate the drain plug on the engine block and radiator.
* Consult a Repair Manual: A Haynes or Chilton manual specific to your 1995 Dodge Intrepid is highly recommended. These manuals provide detailed step-by-step instructions with diagrams. Online resources may be helpful, but a physical manual is generally safer and more reliable.
General Steps (May Vary Depending on Engine):
1. Access the Water Pump: This usually involves removing various components to gain access to the water pump. This may include:
* Serpentine Belt: Remove the serpentine belt. Use a belt tensioner tool to release tension.
* Fan & Fan Shroud: Remove the fan and fan shroud (often requires removing several bolts).
* Pulley(s): Remove the water pump pulley. This might require a pulley puller.
* Other Components: You might need to remove hoses, brackets, or other components depending on the engine and your vehicle's specific configuration. Take pictures as you go to help with reassembly.
2. Remove the Water Pump: Once you have access, you'll need to remove the bolts holding the water pump to the engine block. These bolts can be stubborn, so use penetrating oil if needed.
3. Install the New Water Pump: Carefully install the new water pump, ensuring the gasket is properly seated. Use new gaskets and bolts (never reuse old ones). Torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (found in your repair manual).
4. Reassembly: Reinstall all the components you removed earlier, in the reverse order of removal. Double-check everything is properly connected and tightened.
5. Refill Coolant: Fill the radiator and coolant reservoir with the correct type and amount of coolant (check your owner's manual).
6. Bleed the System: Bleed the cooling system to remove air pockets. This is crucial to prevent overheating. Consult your repair manual for bleeding instructions. Often this involves running the engine until the thermostat opens and the coolant circulates.
7. Test: Run the engine and check for leaks. Monitor the temperature gauge carefully.
Important Considerations:
* Torque Specifications: Use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the correct specifications. Over-tightening can damage components.
* Gaskets: Always use new gaskets when replacing a water pump.
* Coolant Type: Use the correct type of coolant specified in your owner's manual.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
This is a simplified overview. A detailed repair manual is absolutely essential for this job. Improper repair could lead to serious engine damage, overheating, and potential safety hazards. Remember to prioritize safety throughout the entire process.
