Water Pump: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
The water pump can be removed without discharging the air conditioning system (if equipped).





CAUTION: All engines have a reverse (counterclockwise) rotating water pump. The letter R is stamped into the back of the water pump impeller to identify. Engines from previous model years, depending upon application, may be equipped with a forward (clockwise) rotating water pump. Installation of the wrong water pump will cause engine over heating.

The water pump impeller is pressed on the rear of the pump shaft and bearing assembly. The water pump is serviced only as a complete assembly

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE BLOCK DRAIN PLUG(S) OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.

DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If the solution is clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
1. Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
2. Drain the cooling system.





3. Loosen (but do not remove at this time) the four fan hub-to-water pump pulley mounting nuts.

NOTE: The engine accessory drive belt must be removed prior to removing the fan.

4. Remove accessory drive belt.
5. Remove power steering pump.





WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES. WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER 6094) SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER HPC-20) MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.





CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp with matching number or letter.

6. Remove lower radiator hose from water pump. Remove heater hose from water pump fitting.
7. Remove four nuts previously loosened and remove the fan blade assembly and pulley.
8. After removing fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly, do not place thermal viscous fan drive in horizontal position. If stored horizontally, silicone fluid in viscous fan drive could drain into its bearing assembly and contaminate lubricant.





9. Remove the four pump mounting bolts and remove pump from vehicle. Discard old gasket. Note that one of the four bolts is longer than the other bolts.
10. If pump is to be replaced, the heater hose fitting must be removed. Note position of fitting before removal.

INSTALLATION
1. If pump is being replaced, install the heater hose fitting to the pump. Use a sealant on the fitting such as Mopar Thread Sealant With Teflon. Refer to the directions on the package.
2. Clean the gasket mating surfaces. If the original pump is used, remove any deposits or other foreign material. Inspect the cylinder block and water pump mating surfaces for erosion or damage from cavitation.
3. Install the gasket and water pump. The silicone bead on the gasket should be facing the water pump. Also, the gasket is installed dry. Tighten mounting bolts to 23 Nm (200 inch lbs.) torque. Rotate the shaft by hand to be sure it turns freely.
4. Connect the radiator and heater hoses to the water pump.
5. Position water pump pulley to water pump hub.
6. Install fan and four nuts to water pump hub. Tighten or nuts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
7. Install power steering pump.

CAUTION: When installing the serpentine engine accessory drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. If not, the engine may overheat due to the water pump rotating in the wrong direction. You may also refer to the Belt Routing Label in the vehicle engine compartment.

8. Install accessory drive belt.
9. Fill cooling system.
10. Connect battery cable to battery.
11. Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.