Here's a general overview of the process. This is NOT a substitute for a proper repair manual and should only be used as a general guide. Improper procedures can lead to damage to your engine.
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Wear safety glasses, gloves, and old clothes. Coolant is corrosive.
* Gather Tools: You'll need various wrenches (metric), sockets, a ratchet, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), possibly a torque wrench, a drain pan, new coolant, and possibly a coolant flush kit.
* Jack and Stands: Securely lift the car and use jack stands for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Consult Your Repair Manual: This step is critical. The exact procedure will vary based on the engine.
2. Drain the Coolant:
* Locate the radiator drain petcock (usually at the bottom of the radiator) and the engine block drain plug.
* Place your drain pan under the drain points.
* Carefully open the drain petcock and then the engine block drain plug to drain the coolant.
3. Remove Related Components (as necessary):
* This is where your repair manual is essential. Depending on your engine and access, you may need to remove components like:
* Serpentine Belt: This usually needs to be removed to access the water pump.
* Fan and Fan Shroud: May need to be removed for better access.
* Pulley(s): Possibly the crankshaft pulley or other pulleys connected to the water pump.
* Other hoses and brackets: These may need to be moved or removed to provide access.
4. Remove the Water Pump:
* Once you have access, you'll need to remove the bolts holding the water pump to the engine block.
* Be prepared for some coolant to leak out at this point.
* Carefully remove the water pump, paying attention to the gasket. The gasket will likely need to be replaced.
5. Install the New Water Pump:
* Clean the mounting surface on the engine block thoroughly.
* Install a new gasket (included with most new water pumps).
* Carefully install the new water pump, ensuring it's properly seated.
* Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque (find this in your repair manual). Over-tightening can crack the pump or engine block.
6. Reinstall Components:
* Reinstall any components you removed in reverse order, ensuring everything is properly connected and secured.
* Reinstall the serpentine belt, making sure it's correctly routed.
7. Refill and Bleed the Cooling System:
* Add the correct type and amount of coolant (consult your owner's manual). A 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water is typically recommended.
* Bleed the cooling system to remove air pockets. This process varies depending on the vehicle. Your repair manual will explain how to do this properly. Air pockets can cause overheating.
8. Test Run:
* Start the engine and check for leaks. Let the engine run for a while, monitoring the temperature gauge.
* Inspect all connections for leaks.
Important Considerations:
* Torque Specifications: Using a torque wrench is crucial to avoid damaging the engine block or water pump.
* Gasket Replacement: Always replace the water pump gasket. Reusing an old gasket can lead to leaks.
* Coolant Type: Use the correct type of coolant specified for your vehicle.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable with this repair, consider taking your car to a qualified mechanic.
This is a simplified overview. The actual process is much more complex and detailed. Always refer to a repair manual specific to your 1996 Chrysler Cirrus before attempting this repair. Improperly replacing the water pump can cause serious engine damage.
