Got a question regarding the replacement of the water pump on my 2001 Jeep Cherokee. Basically how difficult is it to replace the water pump.

 

not very if you know your way around your jeep...invest in a haynes manual or a factory service manual off of e_bay

 

Yeah I went through it in the manual and it just looked like labor. As its removing the fan, and taking the belt off. Draining the fluid and talks about removing the ac compressor and power steering pump. All and all its not bad but just a process. Two parts I have questions on do I actually need to remove the ac compressor or is removing the power steering pump give enough room to work. I'm debating having it done cause it is at my mechanics already, says its 250 for the pump and install. Of course a new pump gasket and fluid is like 60 bucks but the time for doing the install. Just debating it in my head right now.

 

You don't have to remove either. Just loosen up the 3 top bolts on the PS pump so they are almost ready to come out, and take the ps bracket bolt (to the block) out and the one that connects to the water pump. Will give you enough room to get it in there no problem..

 

Okay that sounds good. Do both fans need to come out or can the electric fan just come out?

 

pull the air cleaner box, etc., power steering pump, idler, should do the trick. it gets a little tight, but I did mine a few weeks ago, and it helped immensely. didn't leak, but it was very NOISY! all is right with the world now. the one I replaced was only a couple of years old. now I can get back to listening to tappet noise at 210 thousand miles. love it.

 

You do need to pull both fans... But thats it. I just did a pump on my sons '98 and a few days later on my 2000. Just Take off the electric fan first then loosen the clutch fan bolts, then loosen the idler, and take off the belt. Remove clutch fan, then loosen up the ps pump bolts. Then do the pump. Should be pretty easy. I would replace the Thermostat and clutch fan if they have never been done before to.... Get the napa premium T-stat and the ZJ fan clutch... NAPA part #272310