How to Repair a Dodge Stratus' Water Pump

by John Johnston

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The water pump in your Dodge Stratus is used to help move coolant from the radiator to the engine. This heps prevent the engine from overheating. If your water pump stops working correctly, it can cause long term damage to both your engine and radiator. If your water pump becomes damaged in any way you should therefore replace it immediately.

Step 1

Open up the hood of your Dodge Stratus. Support the hood with the hood stand. Locate the battery. Use a wrench to remove the clamp bolt from the negative battery terminal. Lift the negative cable away from the terminal.

Step 2

Place the drain pan underneath the radiator. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of the radiator. Drain the coolant from the radiator into the drain pan.

Step 3

Use a wrench to remove the mounting bolts attached to the inner splash shield. Remove the shield from the vehicle. Use a nut driver to loosen the bolt on the accessory drive belt tensioner. This will loosen the drive belt from around the engine. Remove the drive belt from the vehicle.

Step 4

Remove the mounting bolts on the rear timing belt cover to gain access to the water pump. Disconnect the heater hose from the water pump. Use a wrench to remove the mounting bolts from the water pump. Lift the pump from the vehicle.

Step 5

Attach a new gasket and o-ring on to the new water pump. Fix the water pump in place with the mounting bolts to a torque of 105 inch-pounds. Attach the heater hose to the water pump. Place the accessory drive belt on to the tensioner. Tighten the tensioner bolt to fix it securely in place. Reattach the inner splash shield with the mounting bolts

Step 6

Remove the cap off the radiator and insert coolant back in to the radiator. Reattach the negative cable back on to the battery terminal. Turn on the engine to check that the water pump now works correctly.

References

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