'97 Ford Explorer; water pump

[RenegadeRoe]

Hello,

I finally own my own car. I have always wanted to tinker around and learn to fix it myself. Well, as they say, "Be carefull of what you wish for".

I have had some problems with my radiator loosing fluid, but could never find a leak. This situation is easily remedied by making sure the tank is full. Obviously I was wrong. It seems there is something wrong with the water pump now. It is making this awefull, "click, stop, click, stop" noise, that I never heard it make before. So I assume that it needs to be replaced.

So here is my question: As someone with little car repair experience, is this a job that I could undertake myself, or should I leave it to the experts?

Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions