Pretty sure my water pump just went out. In a big way. 97 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L V8.

Is this something a fairly novice (biggest repair I've done is ball joints) repair? Or should I leave it to the experts?

Also it failed really bad about 3 miles from my house. Will I need to have it towed to the location it will be worked on?

Thanks for your help in advance. I bet HeyYou is going to get in on this action. Haha.

 

dont drive it and overheat thats for sure.

How exactly did it fail? anything explode and spray coolant everywhere?

If youve done ball joints the water pump should be a breeze. All you do is take the front accessory bracket off and its right there.

I would suggest replacing the bypass hose and thermostat while you are there. They are both cheap.

Also, i would highly recommend going ahead and replacing the timing chain while you are there. Its only one more layer. The harmonic balancer and the timing chain cover. A good double roller can normally be bought at local auto parts for 50ish bucks.

Water pump was one of the first things i did to my truck and its stilll on the road lol.

If nothing overheated, or exploded, and the 3 miles isnt highway or interstate, i would ease the truck back home. just make sure it doesnt overheat.

 

I wouldn't say it exploded and sent coolant everywhere.

As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I thought I heard something strange happen and I parked and turned the truck off immediately.

Popped the hood and looked under and it was dripping/ steadyish flow of water/coolant.

I turned it on real quick (probably 15 seconds) to check it. And I heard the grinding noise which I'm assuming is the bearing for the water pump.

Turned it off and now I'm here at my favorite community.

I plan on loading it up with water and trying to make it back the 3 miles. It's all city roads with not too much stopping.

 

Don't drive it. If the bearings are grinding, they are preparing to let loose, and a sub-100 dollar repair becomes a several hundred dollar repair. A tow is cheaper.....

Better safe, than Sorry......

 

yeah i dont think i would risk it if there are loud angry grinding sounds.

 

+3 - don't drive it! If its grinding, that water pump could come apart and impale itself into the radiator, fan blades and all.