My 2005 Jeep TJ has a steady drip of coolant in the front of the vehicle. All hoses, thermostat and radiator are bone-dry. I crawled underneath and found the leak coming from the crankshaft. See photo. I think this is from my water pump, but I couldn't get a good look if it is from the weep hole. Do I need a new water pump?
Help with identifying water pump leak
- Thread starter Mich2020
- Start date
How many miles are on that water pump? If it's original, then you certainly ought to get a new water pump and you'd be smart to overhaul your cooling system in the process.
If you want to know for certain where it's leaking, UV dye will be your friend.
If you want to know for certain where it's leaking, UV dye will be your friend.
That's exactly where you'll see a leak from the water pump. Don't delay replacing it. Once it starts leaking that means a bushing has gone bad and it won't be long before it starts making noise. Once it gets noisy failure is imminent. I'd avoid any store brand water pumps, try hard to find a Mopar.
That's what I would be looking at. At it's age, a pump would be towards the end of life, especially the seals.
One hint about installing a new water pump. Get the gasket surface it seats against absolutely 100% surgically clean with nothing but clean shiny steel left for the gasket to seat against. I use a small fine wire brush for final cleaning. If it's not perfectly clean you can expect it to leak.
Thanks for the quick replies. I'm the 4th owner, and I think this is the original pump., What else should I change? Clutch? Hoses? Radiator? Thermostat?
Any particular brand? From what I've read here, Mopar is the way to go, but what if Mopar is not available?
Any particular brand? From what I've read here, Mopar is the way to go, but what if Mopar is not available?
I am working on my son's 2005 4.0, auto...
His radiator cracked while he was away at school, so I drove there and swapped it out with a new one. I had a Mopar radiator. Made it super easy to switch it out by the side of the road. No modification necessary. Make sure you order the right one. Your 2005, since it is an auto, will have the transmission line quick disconnects. Order the Mopar radiator with female quick disconnects.
I also bought a Mopar T-Stat and gasket, a Mopar water pump and gasket, new hoses, a new coolant reservoir (his had sludge in it) and a Hayden fan clutch.
I have part #'s if you need them.
I've used a Gates branded pump. I trust Gates, have used their water pumps for years, blah, blah, blah. Its been there for almost a year now, and hasn't leaked yet! Snort! Talk to me in 20 years...
P.S....forgot to mention that I also ordered a Dorman water pump inlet tube. Take a look at yours. May not need one if yours looks to be in good shape.
Dorman Water Pump Inlet Tube #56398
Dorman Water Pump Inlet Tube #56398
Thanks!!! But how important is it to change the radiator? Those things are not cheap and I hate to replace a part that is still working well. Replacing hoses is one thing, but a new radiator?
Also, anyone use Mopar Parts Giant? Are their parts good?
I have used Mopar Parts Giant often. Never had an issue with them. Genuine Mopar parts.
Some will make the argument to replace the radiator while you are replacing the water pump and hoses and thermostat. You can certainly wait to replace the radiator until it presents with a problem. If your jeep is not your daily driver then it is not as important to replace the rad until it fails.
Some will make the argument to replace the radiator while you are replacing the water pump and hoses and thermostat. You can certainly wait to replace the radiator until it presents with a problem. If your jeep is not your daily driver then it is not as important to replace the rad until it fails.
It is not my daily driver, so I can afford to wait. I admit that it makes sense to replace the radiator when you've got it all apart, but the expense makes me want to wait. Thanks to everyone who replied.
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