How to Install a Water Pump on a 98 Dodge Stratus

A faulty water pump can lead to engine overheating, and as a result, permanent engine damage. To avoid this, it is recommended that you change your water pump at the first sign of wear. On the '98 Dodge Stratus, a faulty water pump can be identified one of two ways: one, a slow fluid leak coming from two small holes in the water pump known as "weep holes," or when a slight grinding noise is coming from the water pump..

Instructions

1

Place a liquid container underneath the radiator drain plug and then remove the plug to drain the system of coolant.

2

Locate the water pump, which on the '98 Dodge Stratus will be on the side of the engine block touching the timing belt, and use a screwdriver to loosen the hose clamps on each of the two hoses attached to the water pump.

3

Use a wrench to unbolt the bolts holding the water pump in place.

4

Use a belt tensioner to loosen the belt enough so that you can pull out the old water pump.

5

Put the new water pump in the spot where the old one was and then use a wrench to bolt it securely into place.

6

Retighten the timing belt with the belt tensioner.

7

Attach the disconnected hoses to the new water pump and tighten the hose clamps with a screwdriver.

8

Reinsert the drain plug and fill the radiator with coolant.