Noticed a puddle of coolant on the ground, under the harmonic balancer, which has drips on it. Water pump pulley seems tight, I can't really see behind it and it doesn't feel wet when I stick my hand in there. Anything else I should be looking at?
Coolant leak. Water pump?
- Thread starter frankjc
- Start date
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Yes so check around the waterpump gasket, also remove the belt & check pulley bearing for play.
You could pressure test the system to possibly see the leak better.
There also is a weap hole.
Either way a new water pump preferably Mopar or Napa is needed. FSM states use a gasket as well, it's seen in video below.
Here is a good video to help with replacement. https://www.1aauto.com/how-to-replace-engine-water-pump-02-13-jeep-liberty/video/672
You could pressure test the system to possibly see the leak better.
There also is a weap hole.
Either way a new water pump preferably Mopar or Napa is needed. FSM states use a gasket as well, it's seen in video below.
Here is a good video to help with replacement. https://www.1aauto.com/how-to-replace-engine-water-pump-02-13-jeep-liberty/video/672
MarksmanAkula
Akula
Yes, I would suspect your water pump. When the gasket on mine failed, it pooled directly in the center of the car and down the harmonic balancer.
When I replaced mine, I removed old pump and gasket, cleaned the timing cover mating surface for the pump with scotch bright, then bolted down a new pump and gasket.
A recommendation id make is get a piece of cardboard and draw a water pump on it, then as you remove bolts, pierce them through the cardboard so you keep track of where they go. There are a few different length bolts.
When I replaced mine, I removed old pump and gasket, cleaned the timing cover mating surface for the pump with scotch bright, then bolted down a new pump and gasket.
A recommendation id make is get a piece of cardboard and draw a water pump on it, then as you remove bolts, pierce them through the cardboard so you keep track of where they go. There are a few different length bolts.
duderz7
Full Access Member
Weep hole is on top if pump behind pulley, shouldn't be to tuff to see it.
Looks like mine is only leaking when it gets very cold. Drove it to work today, crawled under it, it was dry. Went out an hour later, still nothing. Brought it in the shop, me and a couple other guys looked at it, no signs of the water pump leaking (there are oil leaks). The weep hole is dry. My plan now is to bring it in the shop (I work at a dealership, in parts) when I know it's leaking. Or maybe pressure test it. We couldn't do that tonight because we ran out of time. Good thing I brought it in there tonight, I also figured out what the clunking noise is....the rear lower trailing arm on the driver's side rusted and broke off. I'll buy one tomorrow and replace it.
There was a dealer re-call on the rear lower control arms.
Enter your vin number here: https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls/search.html
It would be best to just replace both.
Re the pump definitely pressure test it. Strange it would leak cold, but then the rubber seal may shrink when cold...
Enter your vin number here: https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls/search.html
It would be best to just replace both.
Re the pump definitely pressure test it. Strange it would leak cold, but then the rubber seal may shrink when cold...
duderz7
Full Access Member
Mine did that too, could only find a puddle at the weep when below freezing.
It may be regional or rust belt area related.
My 04 has a recall notification but I pressed in new bushings and just ignored dealer.
Double check and call the dealer.
My 04 has a recall notification but I pressed in new bushings and just ignored dealer.
Double check and call the dealer.
Wow ! (saved that LCA image)^
Proof That Salt ***** !
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Proof That Salt ***** !
MarksmanAkula
Akula
Damn! I really hope that didn't snap off while driving.
Give it an additional coat of rust paint. Really you should replace them both as a pair.
Main reason is that beside the rust issue, is the fact the bushing inside wear/crack and can cause issues in drive ability.
Often the jeep can jump to the left or right when gas is applied, if the bushings are toast.
Main reason is that beside the rust issue, is the fact the bushing inside wear/crack and can cause issues in drive ability.
Often the jeep can jump to the left or right when gas is applied, if the bushings are toast.
Yes no kidding if it was broken while driving, I was imagining if the rear spring could also fly away & cause even more damage. I guess the shock held it in place.
it was actually more stable than you'd think. definitely didn't ride right when it was broken, but there is an upper arm behind the axle, and one that goes across from above the axle. not safe with the arm broken, but that's what kept it from falling apart.
MarksmanAkula
Akula
Very lucky. Did you replace both at the same time? Or did you only replace the broken one?
Back to this leak. Never figured it out. Seemed to go away over the summer. Now it seems like it drips when sitting over night, when it gets cold out. There is a drip on the lower water pump bolt. There is also some crusty residue around the threads of the coolant temp sensor. The weep hole is clean and dry. Im suspecting 2 things. Water pump gasket, and coolant temp sensor leak. We drove the car today, did some shopping, and there was no drip under the car. She has a warranty that will cover the water pump, but not the sensor. I may change the sensor and see how much different it makes. Anyone know how to disconnect the plug on the sensor?
