How to Replace the Water Pump in a Dodge Caravan

Dodge didnt do us (the home mechanic) any favors by placing the water pump where they did, but it can be done in a few hours with normal hand tools. We show you how in just over 5 minutes. \r
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Dodge also made the serpentine belt removal (required to replace the water pump) a problem for the home mechanic on these later-model caravans - this video shows a home-mechanics trick to release the belt tension without any special tools.\r
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Parts youll need:\r
- A new water pump (we paid $39.99)\r
- Antifreeze (we paid $15.99 for the red stuff)\r
- RTV Gasket sealant (optional - we paid $3.79 for the water pump & thermostat type)\r
- Trim panel pins (optional - we paid $2.99)\r
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Tools required:\r
- A metric socket and wrench set (specifically, the 10mm, 13mm, and 15mm wrenches)\r
- Razor blade\r
- Dodges special belt tensioner tool OR a couple of prybars\r
- a jack (you can use your vehicles spare tire jack)\r
- a short piece of 2X4 wood (or something similar)\r
- a pair of pliers\r
- maybe a flathead screwdriver to break the seal on the water hose\r
- Trim panel removal tool OR a pair of needlenose pliers\r
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Best of luck!