How to Replace a Water Pump on a 1996 Ford F150

by Don Bowman

The need to replace the water pump on a 1996 Ford F150 is common, and can usually be blamed on worn-out bearings. To extend the life of the water pump, always use antifreeze in the cooling system. The antifreeze acts as a lubricant for the bearing and it preserves the water pump blades from rusting.

Step 1

Drain the radiator by placing the drain pan under the drain valve and opening the valve with the pliers. Take the radiator cap off to promote faster draining. Close the valve when drained.

Step 2

Remove the fan clutch spacer, which is the large nut securing the fan to the water pump pulley. Place the strap wrench around the pulley and use the large adjustable wrench to turn the large nut counterclockwise to remove. Once the nut is broken loose, it can be spun by hand. Just spin the fan counterclockwise and the nut will follow. Don't remove it completely at this point.

Step 3

Remove the fan shroud bolts with a socket. Remove the fan shroud and the fan together. Loosen the belt tensioner using a socket and ratchet. Place the socket on the tensioner and move the tensioner away from the belt as the belt is removed.

Step 4

Remove the four bolts in the water pump pulley using a socket. Remove the alternator support bracket from the water pump using a socket. Loosen the clamp on the heater hose on the water pump and pull the hose off. Loosen the clamp on the lower radiator hose where it attaches to the water pump and pull it off.

Step 5

Remove all the bolts securing the water pump to the block using a socket. Remove the water pump. Scrape all the remaining gasket material from the mounting surface on the block.

Step 6

Place RTV sealant on both sides of the water pump gasket. Place the gasket on the new water pump and insert one of the long bolts on either side of the pump for a guide. Install the new pump by aligning the two long bolts and threading them into the block. Slide the water pump in place on the block. Install the rest of the bolts and tighten with a socket.

Step 7

Install the heater hose and tighten the clamp. Install the alternator support and tighten the bolt. Install the water pump pulley and tighten the bolts. Install the belt by installing the ratchet and socket onto the pulley, and moving the pulley away from the belt as the belt is installed. Relax the pressure on the belt tensioner and allow it to apply tension on the belt.

Step 8

Place the fan shroud and the fan in place as a unit. Move the shroud in toward the engine to give clearance for the fan. Spin the fan clutch nut onto the water pump pulley threaded nose by turning it clockwise. Place the strap wrench on the pulley and tighten the nut with the adjustable wrench.