I would suggest starting by buying a Haynes Repair Manual for the 1994 to 2001 Dodge Ram pickups. This will include fairly straight forward instuctions on how to replace the water pump.
Purchase a Haynes Repair Manual for 1994-2001 Dodge Ram Pickups. This will help with the basics. My problem was getting the screw-on clutch fan separated from the water pump. I found help at the following link: www.pavementsucks.com/tech/fanclutch.php
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I used a strap wrench or grip wrench to hold the cluch still while I loosened the nut after the serpentine was removed. A auto mechanic friend said that they always use a hammer and punch to loosen the nut by hitting just on the edges of the nut to start it spinning.
the water pump is on the bottom of the engine underneath the alternator
Its a pain in the butt. have a shop do it ! $400-$700
2 hours to 7 hours, depends on the engine size.
It is driven by the timing belt. You have to dissassmble the right side of the engine to change it.
The guy that changed the pump on the 98 Chevy Truck helped me on my 97 Dakota.
This is NOT an Interference engine. The water pump is driven by the cam belt so replace the water pump at the same time you replace the cam belt. Belt should be replaced at 105,000 miles.This is NOT an Interference engine. The water pump is driven by the cam belt so replace the water pump at the same time you replace the cam belt. Belt should be replaced at 105,000 miles.
To replace the water pump in my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 v8, it was $375 including labor and everything.
It varies according to who does it. Not cheap,as engine must be removed
The front does have to be dissassembled to access the timing belt, which drives the wate pump.
Drain the coolant, remove belt, remove two bolts & water pump. Clean the sealing surfaces. Reinstall in reverse order
if this is a diesel, it is the easiest water pump to change remove serpentine belt remove water pump. install new pump reinstall serpentine belt pump is on front of engine just left of fan as you stand in front and look at engine
The water pump on the 3.0 litre engine is located in the valley of the V-6 engine and you need to jack up the engine and remove the passenger side engine mount to get at the timing belt to get the water pump out. It is a pretty tight installation and you should get a manual for your van to get the entire procedure.