Mechanics!! Help please!

[tabsmonsters]

We think the water pump went out on our Jeep Liberty. If we have someone fix it, they want $215-$230 to fix it. The part only costs 43.99. How hard is it to get to the water pump in a Liberty? DH is working on his Martial Arts training so he is so sore when he gets home and I thought it would be neat to surprise him and have it done myself. How hard would this be for a novice? I can do simple maintenance but I do know how to use tools.

Thanks!

 

[HennysMom]

Do you have a manual that goes along with your auto in order to work on it? It will show you how to break everything down and how to replace certain things - Look for Chilton's as they are the best.

I would never work on an auto if I hadnt done it before - especially the ones of today as most are electronic in nature and have some sort of modules and sensors that go with it.

Good luck!

 

[Teach97]

Which engine does it have? Usually water pumps are not super hard fixes...what really matters is if you have a good set or sockets and extensions for them. I have a buddy with one and depending on the engine I could run over around lunch time and check it out and see.

 

[tabsmonsters]

We don't have a Chilton's for it, unfortunately. It has 3.7L V6 engine. I know sometimes things are really crammed in there so I was just wondering how hard it would be. DH sometimes drags me under the vehicles to help him with stuff.

Thanks!

 

[lockedhearts]

I have never changed one on a Jeep. If you are not sure what it looks like I would suggest going and finding a Chilton Manual (Most parts stores sell them) for your vehicle. Find where it is located , crawl under and assess the situation.
Generally, changing it is easy, the hard part , and why they charge so much, is because of how you may or may not have to remove other parts to get to it.
I changed one on a Ford Van and honestly is was easier because I have smaller arms and hands. The one on my F150 I have to remove a couple other parts and it took about 4 hours.
I try to do as much as possible on my vehicles myself to save money.
However, I do have a little local place that I get them to change my oil. The only charge $30 and it's not worth my time for that.
You might also look up oilburners.net , not sure if they have a jeep section, if they do you can post there and I bet someone can tell you.

 

[horsejody]

I am not mechanically inclined, but DH is. Recently DD's waterpump went out. He got the part for her and her BF fixed it. I asked DH how hard it is, and he said that if you can find it and take it off, you can put the new one in. The big thing is to have the right tools. If you are mechanically inclined and have the tools, go for it.

 

[jbowyer01]

What year is it? I know the 99's were easy to replace but I also know on some of the more recent years they are difficult to get to.

 

[alagary]

I just looked at autozones site . It does not look like a very easy job . It even calls for a special tool for the cam shaft.

 

[cluckychick]

Some are not in a very accessible spot

 

[tabsmonsters]

Quote:
Crap, that figures. We just have regular tools like sockets and wrenches.

Thanks for all your responses! I am going to check to see what it looks like and find it on the jeep, then go from there. If it isn't a couple a bolts or what not, I won't mess with it. Crap.