The Dodge Durango water pump is essential to the proper operation of the SUV's engine. Without it, the engine would overheat and you would not get very far. In fact, the failure of this one small part could trigger a series of events that would cause serious damage to the Durango, including a blown head gasket. Head gasket repairs are far more expensive to repair, so your best bet is to get to the water pump as soon as you know there is a problem. If the water pump pulley does not run smoothly, then the bearing is shot. Leaking around the pump indicates gasket failure.
Instructions
- 1
Drain the engine coolant into a drain pan.
2Disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative battery post, using a wrench to loosen the nut. Release the tension from the belt by turning the belt tensioner clockwise with a ratchet and socket. Remove the belt from the water pump pulley.
3Remove the water pump pulley using a wrench to remove the bolt. Remove the lower radiator hose using a screwdriver to loosen the clamps.
4Remove the eight bolts holding the water pump to the engine, using a socket and ratchet. Clean any remaining gasket material from the pump surface using the scraper tool.
5Place the new gasket and water pump on the engine, and tighten the eight bolts with the socket and ratchet. Place the water pump pulley on the pump and tighten the bolts with the wrench. Install the lower radiator hose and tighten the clamps with the screwdriver.
6Place the belt over the water pump pulley and tighten the belt tensioner with the socket and ratchet. Connect the battery cable to the post and tighten the nut with the wrench.
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