Chrysler R4448878 Body Assembly, Water Pump

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To replace the water pump, start by disconnecting the negative battery cable and draining the cooling system. For four-cylinder engines, remove the drive belts, pulley, and alternator. Loosen clamps and detach hoses, remove bolts and detach the water pump and housing, clean bolt threads and threaded holes, and separate the water pump from the housing. Apply RTV sealant and install a new O-ring, attach the new pump, and reinstall all removed parts. Place the new gasket on the water pump and install it, then press the pump assembly. Install the pump-to-mounting bolts and refill the cooling system. Install a new O-ring, attach the new pump, and reinstall the drive belt. Run the engine and check for leaks.

A failure in the water pump can cause engine damage. To check the pump, look for coolant leaking from the weep hole and listen for a howling sound. If the pulley is rocked up-and-down, shaft wear can be felt. Don't mistake drivebelt slippage for bearing failure. Replace the pump if it's defective.

There are two ways to check the operation of the water pump while it's installed on the engine. If the pump is defective, it should be replaced with a new or rebuilt unit. Water pumps are equipped with weep or vent holes. If a failure occurs in the pump seal, coolant will leak from the hole. In most cases, you'll need a flashlight to find the hole on the water pump from underneath to check for leaks. If the water pump shaft bearings fail, there may be a howling sound at the front of the engine while it's running. With the engine off, shaft wear can be felt if the water pump pulley is rocked up-and-down.

Remove the drivebelts, pulley, and alternator. On air-conditioned models, unbolt the compressor but don't disconnect the lines. Loosen clamps and detach hoses from the water pump, and then remove the bolts and detach the water pump and housing from the engine.