Mopar RL079412AB Water Pump

Drain the cooling system and remove the cooling fan and shroud, remove the drivebelts and the pulley at the end of the water pump shaft, and for 3.6L engines, also remove the air filter housing and inlet housing.

There are three ways to check the operation of the water pump while it's installed on the engine. If the pump is defective, it should be replaced with a new or rebuilt unit. With the engine running at normal operating temperature, squeeze the upper radiator hose. If the water pump is working properly a pressure surge should be felt as the hose is released. Water pumps are equipped with weep or vent holes. If a failure occurs in the pump seal, coolant will leak from the hole. In most cases, you'll need a flashlight to find the hole on the water pump from underneath to check for leaks. If the water pump shaft bearings fail, there may be a howling sound at the front of the engine while it's running. Shaft wear can be felt if the water pump pulley is rocked up and down. Don't mistake drivebelt slippage, which causes a squealing sound, for water pump bearing failure.