How to Install a Water Pump in a Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee often has a heavy workload, which wears on the water pump. A bad water pump will first leak from the seals or produce loud noise from the failing bearings. Installing a water pump in a Jeep Grand Cherokee is a project that almost anyone can complete with the right tools and instructions.

Instructions

Remove the Water Pump

1

Use cinder blocks to secure the truck, if parked on an incline. Jack up the Jeep Grand Cherokee, using jack stands to stabilize the vehicle.

2

Disconnect the negative battery cable by opening the hood and using a screwdriver to unscrew the clamp that connects the negative battery cable to the battery post.

3

Twist the radiator cap open slowly. After the pressure is released, remove the drain plug located underneath the radiator with an adjustable wrench.

4

Put a container under the opening to catch the coolant instead of letting it drain on the ground and seal the container for disposal. Wipe up any spilled coolant to avoid slippage.

5

Take off the parts leading to the water pump on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, using an adjustable wrench. In order, these include: electric cooling fan connector, fan clutch assembly (if applicable), accessory drive belt, engine cooling fan and pulley, power steering pump, lower radiator hose from the pump and heater hose.

6

Lay each part out, with its bolts, in the order disconnected to ensure proper reinstallation.

7

Undo the bolts securing the water pump to the engine. Take note of the one water pump bolt that's longer than the others. Note the position, as well. Clean off the mount after removing the pump, using a shop rag. Inspect the area for cracks.

Install a New Pump

8

Place high temperature automotive sealant on the new water pump, in a position that coordinates to the positioning on the mount. Position the gasket over the sealant on the pump.

9

Hold the gasket in place as you mount the new water pump on the side of the Jeep Grand Cherokee's engine in the same place as the old one.

10

Secure the pump with new bolts. Tighten them with 17 foot pounds torque in a cross formation. Install the heater and radiator hoses and the water pump pulley using 20 foot pounds torque on the pulley bolts.

11

Install the power steering pump and fan shroud assembly, tightening the bolts on the shroud with 31 foot pounds torque. Assemble the accessory drive belt and electric cooling fan.

12

Place the drain plug back in the bottom of the radiator. Refill it with coolant as specified in your owner's manual. Screw the radiator cap back on.

13

Remove the jack stands and lower the jack. Attach the negative battery cable to the post and tighten the screw on the clamp. Start the Jeep Grand Cherokee's engine and check for leaks. Then, close the hood and clean up any spilled coolant.