2004 Caravan water pump

[samtheman22]

Has anyone changed a water pump on a 2004 Dodge Caravan 3.3 ? How difficult is it to change? Is there anywhere on the net that I can find a video or instructions?

Also, has anyone paid to have a water pump changed? If so, how much was it ? Thanks again, Sam

[Alphabravo]

It depends on your skill comfort level. It's not that hard. You will definitely need some jack stands because you will have to remove the passenger side wheel. Never work under a car with the jack alone.

The only special tool I would recommend for this is a tensioner tool. Here's a youtube video that shows how you can do it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8tkAG5wKzo

When I did my 2003 I did NOT remove the motor mount bolts, I only loosened them a few turns and lowered the motor about 1/4". I kept a jack under the motor just in case. Some people on this forum have done it without loosening them at all.

Also, notice how the pulley slips back over its hub (between the hub and the pump) once you remove the bolts. Then you can pull down the pump and the pulley together. It's the only way you'll have enough room to get the pump out.

The guy in the video used a 19MM wrench to get the belt off. I've never tried that, I feel more comfortable with a tensioner tool. I got a free loaner from Advance Auto. I would recommend that. You can pick it up when you buy the water pump.

Good luck.

[Alphabravo]

Here's another more detailed video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iuOD...eature=related

It looks like they did not loosen the motor mount bolts because they had a hard time getting the pump out. In this case I prefer to loosen the motor mount bolts instead of forcing it or prying on the motor.

They used the tension from the belt to hold the pulley when they were loosening/tightening the pulley bolts. I just wedged something in one of the holes on the pulley and it held fine for me.

Good luck.