Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Cooling System Guides
- Dodge Ram 2002-2008: How to Replace Water Pump
Step by step instructions for the do-it-yourself repairs
Browse all: Cooling System Guides
How to replace water pump 2003 ram 1500
#1
#6
Ziploc bags are the best tool I have when I'm taking things apart... I especially like the sandwich bags with the white space to write on with Marker.
#7
Take pics with your mobile to refer back to belt routing etc.
Consider replacing the belt and idler and tensioner pulleys at the same time as doing the water pump.
I did this last month on my 03 Hemi.
Get/rent a fan removal tool. Or make a "red neck spanner" to get it off.
That's the hardest job of the lot in replacing the pump.
After removing the fan, it's plain sailing.
Flush the radiator and the system if you can and replace your coolant with only the OEM HOAT anti-freeze.
BTW....people are correct about the water pump bolts. There's lots of different lengths, so mark them take pics or do whatever necessary to make sure your put them back in the correct places.
Hope this helps?
Al.
Consider replacing the belt and idler and tensioner pulleys at the same time as doing the water pump.
I did this last month on my 03 Hemi.
Get/rent a fan removal tool. Or make a "red neck spanner" to get it off.
That's the hardest job of the lot in replacing the pump.
After removing the fan, it's plain sailing.
Flush the radiator and the system if you can and replace your coolant with only the OEM HOAT anti-freeze.
BTW....people are correct about the water pump bolts. There's lots of different lengths, so mark them take pics or do whatever necessary to make sure your put them back in the correct places.
Hope this helps?
Al.
Last edited by abarmby; 12-05-2012 at 06:00 PM.
Trending Topics
#10
What I did to make sure I got the bolts correct.... As I took them off the old water pump I put them in the corisponding holes on the new water pump. Then clean the heads off and with a sharpie write letters on the bolt head and the case where they go, just incase one or two fall out when you manuver the new unit onto the engine.
I purchased the BOSCH unit from pepboys, but the one I got must have been moved around in its mold when they poured the metal for the case, cause I had to shave down the idler pulley mounting surface to get the belt lined up with the other pulleys.
I also, as an extra measure, put a very thin bead of water pump gasket silicone just on the outside of the rubber gasket close to the edge, just to be sure it didnt leak, It doesnt call for it but over the years I have changed several water pumps on previouse vehicals and learned ... It sucks when you get everything buttoned up and find a small leak then have to tear the whole thing apart again.
I also changed the themostat and added a bottle of WaterWetter to the new antifreeze, I sware by the stuff....
Also make sure you check the reservoir the next two heat and cool cycles and top off as needed.
Good luck!
I purchased the BOSCH unit from pepboys, but the one I got must have been moved around in its mold when they poured the metal for the case, cause I had to shave down the idler pulley mounting surface to get the belt lined up with the other pulleys.
I also, as an extra measure, put a very thin bead of water pump gasket silicone just on the outside of the rubber gasket close to the edge, just to be sure it didnt leak, It doesnt call for it but over the years I have changed several water pumps on previouse vehicals and learned ... It sucks when you get everything buttoned up and find a small leak then have to tear the whole thing apart again.
I also changed the themostat and added a bottle of WaterWetter to the new antifreeze, I sware by the stuff....
Also make sure you check the reservoir the next two heat and cool cycles and top off as needed.
Good luck!