My vehicle- 97 Dodge Dakota V8 4x4 140k miles automatic


Just got word that my water pump is leaking and needs to be replaced. That is probably why for last couple weeks I smelled coolant burning. Anyway, I'm going to replace my water pump myself I was wondering if anyone can give me tips and tricks on how to successfully change a water pump on a Dakota.


My DIY mechanics skills are good but this would be my first time changing a water pump. A new challenge

Thanks

 

It isn't too bad. The hardest part (at least for me) will be getting the fan clutch off. It is a very large nut, I want to say 35mm but I could be wrong. Somone will know. Anyways, you need to hold the water pump still and then loosen the fan clutch. I rigged up a straight piece of steel with bolts to line up with the holes in the water pump pulley. I think other guys have used belt wrenches, I have heard a hammer with a chisel and hitting it a few times to lossen the nut.

After that you are pretty much home free, just remove the bolts and clean it up. you will have to take the accessories off of the engine also, which isn't all that bad, and you can replace the small rubber bypass hose that sits under the accessory bracket now too. I would replace the metal tube also while you are in there, they are cheap from any auto parts store, will save you the trouble of trying to remove the old one too.