Before you begin:
* Consult a repair manual: A Chilton's or Haynes manual specific to your 1995 Chrysler Concorde 3.5L is crucial. It will provide detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and specific procedures. This is not something you should attempt without one.
* Gather tools: You'll need a variety of tools, including wrenches (metric), sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), pliers, a coolant drain pan, a new water pump gasket (and possibly a new thermostat), possibly a pulley puller, and safety glasses.
* Safety first: Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting any work. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Work in a well-ventilated area. Coolant is toxic.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for specifics):
1. Drain the coolant: Locate the coolant drain plug (usually at the bottom of the radiator) and carefully drain the coolant into a suitable container.
2. Remove the serpentine belt: This usually involves using a serpentine belt tensioner tool to loosen the tensioner and remove the belt.
3. Remove related components: Depending on the access, you may need to remove components like the fan shroud, fan, and possibly parts of the accessory drive system to gain access to the water pump. Your repair manual will show you precisely which components to remove and how.
4. Remove the water pump: This usually involves removing bolts that hold the water pump to the engine block. You might encounter stubborn bolts; use penetrating oil if needed. Take note of the pump's orientation and any other components attached to it.
5. Replace the water pump: Carefully install the new water pump, ensuring the gasket is correctly seated. Tighten the bolts to the specifications given in your repair manual; over-tightening can crack the pump or engine block.
6. Reinstall components: Carefully reinstall all removed components in the reverse order of removal. Make sure everything is correctly aligned and secured.
7. Reinstall the serpentine belt: Route the serpentine belt correctly around the pulleys and tensioner.
8. Refill the cooling system: Carefully add the correct type and amount of coolant (usually a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water). Consult your owner's manual for the specific coolant type.
9. Bleed the cooling system: This is crucial to remove any air pockets from the cooling system. Your repair manual will explain how to do this. Failing to properly bleed the system can lead to overheating.
10. Start the engine: Start the engine and carefully check for any leaks around the water pump and hoses. Let the engine run for a while to allow the thermostat to open and the coolant to circulate. Monitor the temperature gauge.
11. Check coolant level: After the engine has cooled, check the coolant level and add more coolant if necessary.
Important Considerations:
* Torque Specifications: Using the correct torque specifications is extremely important to prevent damage. Your repair manual will list these.
* Gasket: Use a new water pump gasket. Reusing an old gasket can lead to leaks.
* Coolant Type: Use the correct type of coolant specified for your vehicle.
This is a general overview. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 1995 Chrysler Concorde 3.5L for detailed instructions and diagrams. If you are not comfortable performing this repair, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. A botched water pump replacement can cause significant engine damage.
