Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• drain pan
• new coolant and distilled water
• socket set and ratchet
• vaseline
• torque wrench
• small adjustable wrench
• needle nose pliers
• wrenches
• hammer
• abrasive pad or emery paper
• clean rag
• new serpentine belt
• new mechanical fan clutch assembly

Procedure:

• first style by removing the washer fluid tank, disconnect the rubber hose and the two electrical connectors on the pump and level sensor
• the fluid will drain so have a drain pan handy or plug the pump
• now remove the two bolts on each side of the washer tank using a 10mm socket, 6" extension, and 3/8" drive ratchet
• remove hose by radiator cap for expansion tank
• remove two 10mm bolts on the top of the radiator which fasten it to the radiator support
• place a drain pan below the radiator and use a small adjustable wrench to loosen the drain plug
• the drain plug only rotates a quarter turn
• use needle nose pliers to pull out the drain plug
• use a larger adjustable wrench to loosen the clutch fan, leave the serpentine belt in place
• to remove the serpentine belt, use a 15mm wrench and rotate the bolt clockwise to relieve the tension
• place the drain pan under the water pump area
• check both the idler and tensioner pulleys to ensure they are in good working condition
• remove the idler pulley next to the water pump using a 15mm wrench
• use a 13mm to remove the water pump bolts
• when removing the water pump bolts, make note of all the locations as they are not the same
• sometimes the pump can be stuck in place, use the handle of a hammer to tap it free
• apply a small amount of vaseline to the new o-ring and push it into place
• use an abrasive pad or emery paper to clean the sealing surface, than wipe clean with a rag
• no need for silicone on the sealing surface
• when installing the new pump, tighten down evenly in a crisscross pattern
• to install a new mechanical clutch fan and remove the fan itself, use a 13mm to remove the bolts
• installation of all other parts in reverse of removal
• fill the system with coolant
• only use distilled water when mixing the coolant if need
• squeeze the lower rad hose to help push air from the system
• once filled, leave the radiator cap loose, start the vehicle and allow the engine to warm up

Torque Specifications:

Water pump - 43 ft. lbs.
Idler pulley - 40 ft. lbs.
Fan to mechanical clutch - 20 ft. lbs.

Symptoms of water pump failure:

• leaking gasket between the water pump housing and engine block
• worn seal around the shaft bearing which causes the coolant to leak out the bearing vent hole
• worn out bearing which would make a howling or grinding noise
• excessive "play" in the water pump shaft

Causes:

• regular usage which causes wear over time (routine maintenance)
• broken mechanical fan which causes the water pump shaft to be off balance
• worn mechanical clutch fan assembly which causes the water pump shaft to be off balance
• leaking water pump shaft seal which washes out the lubricant within the bearings
• worn/dried out gaskets/seals that cause a coolant leak

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Should I use antifreeze from the dealer or can I use an generic antifreeze from the local automotive parts store?

Antifreeze from the dealer isn't mandatory. You can use an generic antifreeze from the local automotive parts store. Just be sure that it meets the factory Dodge specifications, otherwise you will risk damaging your engine or coolant system.