2001 3.0L Water Pump Replacement

[mcgee]

Need to do a water pump on my 01’ ranger and it’s my first time doing one on this truck. I have done them on older f150s but that’s about it. I have seen a few videos but some say you have to remove the AC and power steering bracket in order to replace it. Another says you need to drain your radiator and remove the tranny cooler lines. So i’m just wondering the easiest way to replace it. I have to replace the fan and the fan clutch aswell.

 

[franklin2]

I have never worked on that engine. But you can take a look at it, many times on their engines Ford did use the water pump to support other brackets. So taking the power steering pump and A/C off is not unusual. You do not need to disconnect them totally, just take them loose and sit them to the side with their lines still hooked up.

If it's tight in front of the engine, taking the radiator out may be good insurance, it's very easy for a wrench to slip and you poke a hole in the radiator. You will have it drained anyway, and they usually pull straight up once they are disconnected.

Welcome to working on a newer vehicle. Many unrelated things have to be disconnected to do a job sometimes. And that increases the chances of making mistakes. We all do it. While you are in there, check the condition of the belt or belts, the radiator hoses, and any other bits and pieces. If the 3.0 is like most Fords, the waterpump/timing cover may be corroded. So check that out to prevent leaks. A little rtv will usually cure minor problem areas.

 

[arse_sidewards]

This isn't a particularly difficult job.

It's been a long while since I've done one but IIRC the bolts don't go through the timing cover like a 302 so the usual screeching about snapped bolts doesn't apply. I forget if you have to pull the driver's side accessory brackets. Either way not a big deal.

I wouldn't open the trans lines unless you get to a point where you have to. I'm like 99.9% sure you don't need to pull them at all. Removing fan from the water pump before pulling the pump will make things much easier.