how hard is it to replace

 

Not hard at all, be sure its your water pump and not just our thermostat.

What year is it?

 

Just replaced mine this weekend. While you've got it apart, might as well put a new thermostat in as well. Since it's a cheap $6 part, might as well update it.

I have a 2001 XJ, and we had to remove the fan shroud, remove serpentine belt, remove the idler fan, remove cooling fan, and even remove the power steering pump (since the water pump bracket attaches behind it). Once those were off, access to the water pump and thermostat housing became possible. Swap out and then just put it all back together.

 

my 98 was ^^^ the exact same. but only took about 2 hours start to finish. theres a fair amount of bolts to take out, but everything is easy to get to. no special tricks needed.

 

Relatively easy and as they say not too long. Took me about 2-3 hours. My 99 was pretty much the same way as listed above. Just make sure when you refill, to use fresh coolant that is at least 50/50 mix and if you mix it yourself, dont use tap water. Get distilled and do it right.

 

thanks guys. yeah i got a book looks and sounds easy. my water pump bearing out. squeals alot there's an inch of play . i call it the squeak Cherokee