So I have a 2.4L chrysler cirrus. The water pump appears to be not working(pumping the fluid through) and the car over heats. They location is on the side since its a front wheel drive car. I have both a Chilton and Haynes manual and they both say i need to loosen the front engine mount and lower it. Thats about it really..Now i was wonder couldnt that mess up something. I dont plan on doing this myself but i would like to know how. Is it possible for the engine to fall out? Might sound stupid but im not sure how all that will work so i would like to know. Thanks -Joe
Just because the car is overheating doesn't mean the water pump is bad. I'd check the thermostat first. It's probably cheaper and easier to change to begin with and you should change it even if you do replace the water pump.
the belt that drives the water pump also has to be removed. usually this is the timing belt. this is a big deal. if you get the timing belt re-installation wrong the motor will not run properly, or will be damaged. go to a competent mechanic that you trust. don't go to a random shop for this job. also, if they are loosening the timing belt anyway, ask them to replace the belt also. this will cost you a bit more now, but save you money in the long run.
Engine mounts generally keep the motor secured to the frame. It sounds like your water pump may have a mounting bracket bolted to the engine mount. Obviously you should not move a vehicle after you loosen the motor mounts. And for saftey reasons it's always a good idea to rig a chain pulley to hold the motor while removing the mounting bolts brackets. Hope this answered you question.
No worries.. there are sometimes four mounts on a transversed engine. (front wheel drive) two at the top, on the frame rail supports, or on the inner fenders, these hold most of the weight of the engine and trans, there are normally two more, but I have seen only one used in some models, these are used to support the engine from twisting or rock on the upper mounts, due to tork or braking forces of the engine. removing ether of these mounts will not effect the support of the engine, as the two upper mounts do all the supporting of the drive-train. Loosening the front mount is safe, just remember that once the front mount is removed, a certain amount of swing or free play will result, as the engine will now just be hanging from it's top mounts, and will hang freely from it's center of gravity, so expect it to move some when mount is loosened or removed, be careful not to get your hand, or other part of the body, pinched or caught when the weight shifts. go slow.. and nobody get hurt... with the possible exception of a few busted knuckles.
There is some room to move an engine/trans slightly to get to parts or perform maint. The actual movement is probably not that drastic, but most have the proper equipment to handle this. I wouldn't worry about it as long as it is being done by someone with experience.
