OEM 2001 Dodge Dakota Water Pump

2001 Dodge Dakota Water Pump Parts and Q&A

• Q: How Can a Water Pump Be Replaced Without Discharging the Air Conditioning System on 2001 Dodge Dakota?

  A: If your air conditioning system is equipped, you can remove the water pump without letting out the refrigerant. Not every model has a reversing water pump; if you have a reverse water pump, it will have the letter R stamped on the back side of the impeller, while vehicles with reverse rotation symbols mark both sides. The impeller is fitted in the rear of the shaft and bearing assembly, while the pump is serviced only as a whole model. Initially, disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and then drain the cooling system. Fasten all four fan hub-to-water pump pulley nuts, without taking them off, then take the accessory drive belt and power steering pump out. Use a C-shaped brake clamp (number 6094) for the regular clamps and the Snap-On equivalent, HPC-20, for the larger ones and do not forget safety glasses throughout the process. Each torqued-tight clamp should have a number or letter stamped in and if you ever need to change one, use one that matches that marking. Then, get rid of the lower radiator hose and heater hose from the water pump fitting and remove the fan blade assembly and pulley by undoing the fours nuts set loose before. Do not put the thermal viscous fan drive in a horizontal position after taking the fan blade/viscous fan drive out, to avoid leaking silicone into its bearings. By removing the four pump bolts, you can take the pump from your vehicle and throw away the old gasket, remembering that you pulled out a longer than the others. If you are swapping the pump, ensure you notice the position of the heater hose fitting as you remove it. For replacing a pump, apply Mopar Thread Sealant With Teflon under the heater hose fitting and bolt it to the pump, in accordance with the sealant instructions. Next, expect any buildup or foreign objects from the gasket sealing surfaces and observe the block and pump for signs of erosion. Place the gasket against the water pump, with the silicone facing the water pump and install it dry. Screw the bolts to 23 Nm (200 inch lbs.), turning the shaft by hand to make sure it rotates easily. Set the water pump pulley on the water pump hub, then attach the radiator and heater hoses to the water pump and install the fan with four nuts to the water pump hub. Tighten each of the four nuts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) torque. Ensure the accessory drive belt is positioned correctly to the power steering pump, so that the water pump does not heat up if rotated incorrectly. Fill the cooling system, restore the battery connection, begin the engine, drive it a bit, then look for leaks.