My mechanic doesn't get back in town until next week, and I'm struggling without my car. I don't really have any other options mechanic wise and I'm not dropping $1000 like meineke wants.How easy is it to follow the Haynes repair manuals or any other repair manuals? I have a 1996 dodge avenger and I need to replace my water pump. I know it's a time consuming task, but is it especially hard to replace it?
If you don't have any experience working on cars aside from changing oil my suggestion is to take it in and get it done. You need to drain the coolant, loosen the belt, and then try and torque off those bolts that are prolly sticky on the water pump. And if the water has eaten through the gasket you may need to get the engine block redone where the water pump rests. Oh but don't go to Meineke yuck, you might as well pull your pants down at your own house and sit on a plunger handle; at least it is free and will probably be less painful.
Try another repair shop. I had my water pump replaced for about $300 and that included the pump and labor and a belt ... Meineke is pricey. You can do better pricewise... Ask around... neighbors... people at work... My water pump was under something else that also had to be taken ou to get to it... not a job I'd want to tackle.
The first answer gave good advice. On older cars replacing a water pump was easy. You loosened the fan belt, removed it and removed the pump with the fan blades. Now nearly all autos have air conditioning and there is not enough room without removing some of the items associated with it. I have on occasion even had to remove the radiator before air became popular. Shop around for an independent mechanic or a small shop. The job will be more than you want to try probably. Good luck.
