Replacing a water pump in a 2000 Ford Mustang can be done without a visit to a mechanic or an authorized dealer. The task includes removing the drivebelt from the engine, as well as removing engine accessories to access the water pump. While completing the job, special care must be taken when removing and storing antifreeze. Replacing the Mustang water pump requires special tools, which can be rented at most auto parts stores.
Remove the fan assembly. Disconnect the two electrical connections on the side of the assembly and the electrical connection to the fan motor. Remove the two bolts, one on each side, holding the assembly to the radiator. Lift the assembly up and remove it from the engine compartment.
Drain the radiator. Place an oil catch container or other large container under the radiator drain fitting, located at the bottom of the radiator. Remove the radiator cap. Turn the fitting until fluid drains from the radiator. Tighten the fitting when it is done draining. Clean up any antifreeze that may have spilled on the ground.
Loosen the bolt on the water pump pulley.
Loosen and remove the drivebelt. Place a 1/2-inch ratchet into the tensioner arm and turn clockwise to remove tension on the belt. Once enough slack is present, remove the drivebelt.
Remove the bolt holding the water pump pulley to the water pump and remove the pulley.
Remove the power steering pump. Disconnect the pressure and return lines from the pump. Remove the pulley from the pump using a pulley remover. Remove the four bolts holding the pump to the engine block and remove the pump from the engine compartment.
Remove any accessory brackets attached to the water pump.
Remove the water pump. Remove the heater hose, by-pass hose and lower radiator hose from the pump. Remove the mounting bolts holding the pump to the engine block and remove the pump from the engine compartment.
Install the new pump using a new O-ring seal (lubricated with antifreeze before installation) on 5.0-liter engines. Use new gaskets (coated with RTV sealant before installation) on 4.6-liter engines. Tighten the mounting bolts to 18 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Connect the the heater hose, the by-pass hose and the lower radiator hose to the water pump.
Replace any accessory brackets to the water pump that were removed in Step 7.
Replace the power steering pump. Reconnect the return and pressure lines to the pump. Tighten the mounting bolts and replace the pulley on the power steering pump.
Replace the water pump pulley.
Replace the drivebelt. Follow the routing instructions for the belt, using the diagram located on the radiator support. Place a 1/2-inch ratchet on the tensioner arm and turn counterclockwise until slack is removed from the belt.
Replace the fan assembly. Replace the bolts holding the assembly to the radiator and tighten the bolts to 36 in.-lbs. of torque. Reattach the two electric connections on the side of the assembly and the connection to the fan motor.
Fill the radiator with the correct mix of antifreeze and water and run the engine. Inspect for leaks.
