I think my water pump has crapped out on my 1997 Jeep Cherokee. I have been leaking coolant for a few days now and there is a puddle under my Jeep after I turn it off and my reserve tank keeps emptying out on me. I replaced the lower radiator hose and still the same problem. It is not over heating so I am wondering if it IS a water pump problem? If it is, could I do the work myself?
Alright, 1997, more than likely it's a 4.0, I6 engine... the water pump is a little difficult to get to... because the amount of special tools that you would need, because you have to take off the fan that is connected to the water pump, which you need special tools for. and most tools that you can get for home won't do the job for pulling the pump off. First, to see if it's your water pump... take your belt off the engine... Just one pully will do, and then spin your FAN that is connected to your water pump... if you hear a metal sound like the bearings are no longer good, then you need a new one. Now the most common problem is your thermostat gasket would blow out, if it's the I-6 engine, right on the front on the top is where that is. Look around there to see if there is evidence of a leak, you would also want to look around the water pump cause it just could be the seal. that would eventually get to the ground from there too, You would not probably want to try anything except maybe a hose or a thermostat seal on your own, it's best to do the rest in a shop... just in case, because anything can happen, even when it's a professional. but if they break it on you they have to replace it for free. Unless you have All the tools that you could need, you shouldn't try to do it in your driveway. Good luck and I hope it's not really your water pump!
It does sound like the water pump. There is a weep hole on the pump body (behind the pulley). You can run your finger on the bottom side of the pump where the pulley shaft goes into the pump housing - it will be wet if there has been leakage. Replacement of the water pump is not all that difficult. You can call any parts store to get the cost of the pump. While you are in there, replace the serpentine belt that drives the pump and go ahead and replace the radiator hoses (that you haven't already replaced plus the heater hoses and any rubber item touching the coolant flow (this will save your having to look at it again anytime soon). I have replaced a lot of water pumps in my time, and it is not a huge job. You can get a manual at AutoZone or any parts store to help walk you through it. Good luck.
Special tools? What? They are real easy to do. You need only a 1/2 wrench, 5/8 socket, 9/16 socket, 8mm and 15mm. Remove belt (15mm to loosen tensioner pulley, then to loosen adjuster). Remove electric cooling fan (2 8mm bolts at top). Use 1/2 wrench to remove 4 nuts on viscous fan and remove fan. Remove water pump pulley (4 1/2 bolts). Remove hoses from water pump. Remove 2 5/8 bolts that secure water pump to P/S bracket. Remove 4 remaining 9/16 bolts holding water pump to block. Remove water pump. Installation is reverse. No special tools required. I've done hundreds of them and can do one in about 1.5 hours.
modern cars r hard to work on..I used to do all my work but now have a guy... Get a shop manual if you r going to try it..warer pumps are not as hard as some things. but the step by step helps..
