How do you replace the water pump on a 1989 Jeep Wrangler?

Answer 1

If you have a serpentine belt, first you will need to loosen up the alternator and remove the fan belt. Jeeps with serpentine belts, use reverse rotating water pumps, so make sure you get the correct one. If the old water pump is OEM, it should have REV stamped on it. Remember, the routing of the belt for reinstallation. Then remove the 4 bolts to the fan and remove the pulley. If you have Power Steering, you will need to remove the 4 bolts that connect the power steering unit to the water pump. Then remove the bolts that connect the water pump to the block. If the bolts are different lengths, remember which hole you removed them from. Dislodge the water pump from the block and clean up the gasket surface on the block. It needs to be smooth. You can use a razor blade and a drill with a wire wheel on it. Stuff a rag into the hole in the block to keep grease and gasket material from getting inside the block. Line up the gasket with the bolt holes on the water pump and install. Be careful installing the new water pump as the gaskets can be thin and tear easily. I believe they recommend the bolts be torqued to 13 pounds. Then put everything back in reverse of how you took it apart. When tightening the fan belt back up, do not make the belt real tight. Leave some play in the belt as over tightening the fan belt can lead to bearing failure in the idlers and alternator.