This procedure covers removal and replacement of the water pump on the 3.6L V6 engine, including accessory drive components and coolant system service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Water pump assembly with gasket × 1 — Use OEM Mopar specification
• Coolant (Mopar OAT Purple) × 1 — 68051212AC or equivalent
• Accessory drive belt × 1 — Replace if worn or damaged

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery post
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on four retention points
4. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock location on driver side lower tank
5. Verify you have the correct replacement water pump (two inlet ports on passenger side of pump body)

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Open radiator drain petcock located on driver side lower tank by turning counterclockwise. Allow coolant to drain completely into pan. Once drained, close petcock hand-tight. Remove radiator cap to vent system. If coolant is more than 5 years old or contaminated, plan to replace with fresh coolant.
2. 2

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   The fan clutch uses LEFT-HAND (reverse) threads. Using 36mm wrench on fan clutch nut, turn CLOCKWISE to loosen while holding fan clutch body with fan clutch tool. Once loose, thread fan clutch off by hand (turning clockwise). Lift fan and clutch assembly straight up and out of engine bay. Note: Fan shroud does not need to be removed on most models.
   ⚠Fan clutch has reverse threads - turn clockwise to loosen. Do not force or you will damage the water pump shaft threads.
3. 3

   Remove accessory drive belt
   Locate belt tensioner on passenger side of engine. Using 18mm wrench or belt tensioner tool, rotate tensioner clockwise to release tension. Slide belt off pulleys starting with alternator. Slowly release tensioner. Inspect belt for cracks, glazing, or excessive wear and replace if necessary. Note belt routing for reinstallation (or reference underhood diagram).
4. 4

   Remove lower radiator hose
   Position drain pan under lower radiator hose connection at water pump. Using hose clamp pliers or screwdriver, release clamp at water pump connection. Twist hose to break seal, then pull off water pump inlet. Allow any remaining coolant to drain. Inspect hose for cracks or deterioration, especially at connection points.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove heater hoses
   Locate heater hoses connected to water pump on passenger side (two connections). Release clamps and remove both heater hoses from water pump. Mark or photograph hose positions if not clearly different sizes. Allow coolant to drain from hoses into pan.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove water pump mounting bolts
   Remove the four water pump mounting bolts. Note that bolt lengths may vary - tag bolts with position if not identical. Bolts thread into timing cover. If bolts are difficult to remove, do not force as timing cover threads can be damaged. The pump is located on the front passenger side of the engine block.
   Torque spec

   Water Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove water pump
   Carefully pull water pump away from timing cover. You may need to gently pry between pump body and timing cover using plastic gasket scraper. Do not pry on machined sealing surfaces. Once free, remove pump and gasket. Note the gasket orientation and any alignment dowels in timing cover.
   ⚠Do not damage timing cover sealing surface. Use only plastic scrapers on machined surfaces.
8. 8

   Clean sealing surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the timing cover sealing surface using plastic gasket scraper. Remove all old gasket material and residue. Wipe clean with shop towels. Inspect timing cover surface for damage, gouges, or warping. Clean water pump bolt holes in timing cover. Do not allow debris to enter timing cover cavity.
9. 9

   Install new water pump
   Position new gasket on water pump or timing cover per gasket instructions (most use dry installation). Align gasket with dowels if equipped. Carefully position water pump against timing cover, ensuring gasket remains in position. Start all four mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening any bolts.
10. 10

    Torque water pump bolts
    Torque water pump mounting bolts in a crossing (star) pattern to ensure even gasket compression and proper sealing. First pass: snug all bolts hand-tight. Second pass: torque to 14 Nm (10 lb-ft). Final pass: torque to final specification of 27 Nm (20 lb-ft) in crossing pattern.
    ⚠Critical torque specification. Under-torquing will cause coolant leaks; over-torquing can strip timing cover threads.
    Torque spec

    Water Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall hoses
    Reconnect heater hoses to water pump fittings on passenger side. Ensure hoses are fully seated on barbs before positioning clamps. Install clamps 1/4 inch from hose ends. Connect lower radiator hose to water pump inlet, ensuring full seating. Position all clamps and torque to specification using appropriate tool.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall accessory drive belt
    Route new or inspected belt around all pulleys per routing diagram (typically: crankshaft, water pump, alternator, A/C compressor, power steering, idler, tensioner). Rotate tensioner clockwise with wrench and slip belt onto final pulley. Release tensioner slowly. Verify belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves.
13. 13

    Reinstall cooling fan
    Lower fan and clutch assembly into position. Thread fan clutch onto water pump shaft by hand, turning COUNTERCLOCKWISE (reverse thread). Once hand-tight, use 36mm wrench to turn counterclockwise while holding clutch body. Do not overtighten - fan clutch should be snug but torque specification is determined by clutch design, not a fixed value. Verify fan has adequate clearance and does not contact shroud.
    ⚠Remember reverse threads - turn counterclockwise to tighten fan clutch.
14. 14

    Refill cooling system
    Using a funnel at radiator cap opening, slowly add Mopar OAT (purple) coolant mixture (50/50 mix with distilled water or pre-mixed). Fill radiator until full. Fill coolant reservoir to MAX cold fill line. A vacuum refill tool will eliminate air pockets more effectively. If filling conventionally, you will need to burp the system by running engine with cap off and adding coolant as level drops.
15. 15

    Bleed cooling system
    With radiator cap removed, start engine and allow to idle. Turn heater to maximum heat and fan on low. Watch coolant level in radiator and add as needed as air purges from system. Continue until engine reaches operating temperature and upper radiator hose is hot. Carefully add coolant to maintain level. Once thermostat opens and level stabilizes, install radiator cap. Add coolant to reservoir if needed to reach MAX line.
    ⚠Engine and coolant will become very hot during this process. Keep hands and tools clear of fan and moving parts.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning grommets with mounting posts and pressing down firmly until seated
2. Reconnect negative battery cable and torque to 5 Nm (45 lb-in)
3. Check coolant level after engine cools - add to reservoir MAX line if needed

Verification

• With engine cold, verify coolant level is at MAX line on reservoir
• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks from water pump, hoses, or connections
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify heater produces hot air
• Check for proper fan operation (should engage at temperature or when A/C is activated)
• After first drive cycle, recheck coolant level when cold and top off if necessary
• Inspect water pump area for any seepage or wet spots after 24-48 hours of operation

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