I have a 2006 dodge ram 1500 and just yesterday the inlet pipe for the water pump started to leak. It is rusted and it has a hole in it. I have a new pipe and was wondering how much trouble it is to replace it myself. Does the pipe come off by itself or do I have to remove the water pump also.

 

If it's rusted, it's probably on there pretty tight. It'll be easier to work with while it's off.

SJ03

 

I had that pipe leak on me as well, and I figured while I was in there I would replace the water pump at the same time (plus no one had just the pipe locally). You probably could replace it without removing the water pump, it is just held in with 1 bolt I believe, and then where it goes into the water pump it is just pushed in with a O-Ring on it.

If you end up having to take the water pump out to replace it, then I would just replace the water pump completely (a new water pump will include that pipe, if it is the one I am thinking of, a picture would help). Water pumps aren't overly expensive, but are time consuming to remove and you have to replace alot of coolant. Trust me, if you have it apart to change that pipe and you don't change the water pump, you'll be kicking yourself if the water pump goes in a few months.