The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a durable part of the motoring scene, quickly becoming a best-selling SUV since debuting in the 1990s. As with any car, the parts on the 1998 Grand Cherokee won't last forever. There may come a time when the water pump gives up and you need to replace it. This procedure is applicable to the 5.2-liter and 5.9-liter engines.
Instructions
- 1
Park the Grand Cherokee on a level workspace, open the hood and prop it up. Disconnect the black, negative battery cable and set it aside.
2Slide underneath the SUV and open the radiator drain plug allowing the coolant to drain into the drain pan. Replace the drain plug.
3Remove the fan shroud and the fan using the ratchet and socket. Loosen the belt tensioner with the ratchet and socket and remove the serpentine belt.
4Pull the water pulley off and disconnect the water pump hoses.
5Loosen the mounting bolt for the heater hose coolant return tube with the ratchet and socket and remove the tube, disposing of the old O-ring.
6Remove the water pump mounting bolts with the ratchet and socket. Undo the clamp on the bypass hose with a screwdriver and remove the water pump from the engine.
7Scrape the gasket mating surfaces clean with a gasket scraper or putty knife and put the new gasket and water pump back on the engine, connecting the bypass hose and its clamp. Use the ratchet and socket to tighten the mounting bolts to 30 foot-pounds. Ensure the new water pump's impeller is not rubbing against the timing chain cover.
8Coat the new O-ring with coolant and install it and the heater hose coolant return tube. Reconnect the radiator hose and the heater hose.
9Reinstall the water pump pulley and tighten the bolts to 20 foot-pounds with the ratchet and socket. Reinstall the serpentine belt and the cooling fan and shroud. Reconnect the battery cable. Fill the radiator with coolant and close the hood. Turn on the engine and observe for leaks, taking corrective action if needed.
