The Jeep Liberty is a compact sport utility vehicle that was introduced in 2002 and is still in production in 2009. With independent front suspension, available four wheel drive, and many creature comforts, the rugged Jeep Liberty appeals to a wide range of owners. Maintenance practices on a Liberty include checking under the vehicle periodically for leaks. If coolant starts seeping from the front of the engine block, you are probably due for a water pump replacement.
Place a drain pan underneath your Jeep's radiator.
Drain the cooling system from underneath the vehicle by twisting the radiator drain plug counterclockwise with a wrench. Allow all of the coolant to drain into the drain pan and replace the radiator drain plug.
Open the hood and disconnect the battery negative terminal with a wrench.
Remove the fan clutch assembly from the water pump by turning the attaching nut counterclockwise with a wrench.
Remove the fan shroud nuts with a wrench. Lift the shroud and the fan clutch assembly together from the engine compartment and set aside.
Relieve the tension on the fan belt tensioner by rotating the tensioner slightly counterclockwise with a 3/8" drive ratchet wrench with a 6-inch extension. Remove the fan belt from the pulleys by hand.
Remove the hose clamps on the lower radiator hose with a small wrench and remove the hose.
Remove the bolts on the water pump with a wrench. Carefully remove the water pump from the engine block. Do not use sharp tools to pry the pump off as you can damage the mating surfaces. Discard the old water pump gasket.
Use gasket sealer to hold a new water pump gasket to the engine block. Reattach the water pump to the engine block with the original bolts.
Replace the lower radiator hose using new hose clamps.
Relieve the tension on the belt tensioner and replace the fan belt. Restore the belt tension by removing the ratchet wrench.
Lift the fan shroud and fan assembly together and carefully slide them back into the engine bay. Replace the bolts in the fan shroud and the nut holding the fan assembly to the water pump.
Replace the negative battery terminal.
Remove the radiator and replenish the cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant. Replace the radiator cap.
Start your Jeep and let it run a few minutes. Check for leaks underneath the vehicle.
Shut the vehicle off and recheck the coolant level. Add a 50/50 mix of coolant and water to bring the level to the full mark if needed. Re-tighten any connections if any leaks were detected.
