Water pump question

[hotdog71]

Hi,

I am suspecting I have a WP on the way out but wanted to get some feedback before I go down that road.

1) I notice some small drips of coolant not much but seems mainly on hot days.

2) sometimes on cold start up I hear what sounds like a bad bearing in one of the pullies and it goes away after about 20-30 secs normally.

3) when I release the tension in the drive belt and grab the WP wheel there is a slight bit of movement side to side not huge movement but enough to make a small knock when moved.

BTW it's and 03 GT with 97k.

Based on the info would you say I am on the right track?

Also how much of a PITA is it to change? I have changed WP's before just not on a stang

Thx

 

[N8Dogg98]

It's really easy to change the water pump. Once you drain the coolant, remove the serp belt, and the 4 water pump pulley bolts, there are only 4 bolts holding the pump onto the engine block.

 

[hotdog71]

It's really easy to change the water pump. Once you drain the coolant, remove the serp belt, and the 4 water pump pulley bolts, there are only 4 bolts holding the pump onto the engine block.

Thanks for reply

Does it need RTV sealer or gasket?

 

[N8Dogg98]

IIRC there are 1 or 2 large o-rings that seal the water pump to the engine block, but I don't remember it's been too long since I did it.