Steps in replaceing water pump on 1997 jeep cherokee

Hi , it sounds like you have caused a vacum i.e. not enough water in the system. You have to check you car when the engine and water has cooled down. The expansion tank is were the water level has a line you must fill it up to the level line with water when the engine is cold. And when its cold weather you have to use antifreeze to top up the level.

Hi Jonny, While the engine is cold the thermostat will be closed, allowing coolant circulation around the engine block and cylinder head but not through the radiator. Only when the engine has reached normal operating temperature will circulation be noted in the radiator. A good test is to remove the thermostat while the engine is cold , start the engine with the radiator pressure cap removed and observe flow. If as I suspect it is there, refit the thermostat and check the heat gauge. If all remains well there is no problem. If the engine overheats replace another thermostat. If there is no circulation with the thermostat removed, there is a blockage in the cooling galleries of the engine. If chemical flushing does not clear it, it will require disassembly of the engine with careful step by step inspection at every stage. If the cylinder head(s) had been removed I would suggest making sure of the galleries not being blocked by installing the gaskets incorrectly. Regards John

the lower rad hose goes to the water pump, as for the vibration it could be many things, tires, shockbushings, tie rods, ball joints, control arm bushings, you will have to investigate further

check the fuel pump for overheating

Yes, you will need to remove the radiator to change the water pump.  Good luck! thanks for an honest rating.

parts store has haynes manuel for your jeep. it has step instructions in cooling section to do this job....Cost $appx 20 bucks....chris

Hi there Ramarob

Here's a step by step to remove and replace the water pump on your Cherokee.

Be advised, all 4.0L engines, some 2.8L engines and some 4.2L engines have a reverse rotating water pump. You can ID these from the word REVERSE or REV imprinted or cast on the housing and/or fan. There will also be an 'R' stamped into the impellor.

Make sure your replacement pump is the correct type, If not, expect some major turmoil.

The procedure:
1. Remove negative battery cable
2. Open radiator valve - drain cooling system
3. Remove cooling fan and shroud
4. Remove belts (see my tip on serpentine belts if needed)
5. Remove water pump pulley from hub
6. Remove hoses from water pump
7. Remove accessory brackets from the water pump.
When removing the P/S pump and/or AC compressor, leave the hoses attached and move them out of the way.
8 . Remove the remaining bolts and detach the water pump from the engine. The bolts are three different lengths. Make note of where they came from.
9. Compare the new and old pumps. Make sure they match.
10. Scrape off the old gasket material.
11. Apply a thin continuous line of RTV High Temp sealant to the water pump side of the gasket.
12. Put a couple bolts through the pump to hold the gasket in place and mount the gasket.
13. Apply Another coat to the other side of the gasket.
14. Attach the pump to the engine. Screw the bolts in finger tight.
15. Attach the remaining bolts.
16. Tighten them up in 1/4 turn increments.
17. Re-attach all the stuff you removed
18. Refill the coolant, adjust belt tension.
19. Run the engine and check for leaks.

Hope this is very helpful
Mike

i have a 2000 grand laredo jeep cherokee that is leaking fliud bad i think it the water pump how do i fix it ??

it is pressed onto water pump..will not come off when you remove fan clutch

1. Remove negative battery cable
2. Open radiator valve - drain cooling system
3. Remove cooling fan and shroud
4. Remove belt
5. Remove water pump pulley from hub
6. Remove hoses from water pump
7. Loosen heater hose coolant return tube mounting bolt and nut.
8. Remove the tube. Lose the O-Ring.
9. Remove water pump mounting bolts
10. Loosen the clamp on the bypass hose.
11. Remove the hose as you pull the pump away from the engine.

Hope this helps

Mike