About 3 weeks ago my daughters 2004 sebring started making a whining noise from the front end. Just yesterday the car started overheating. The top hose felt hot, and the bottom hose felt ice cold. I figured it was a bad thermostat, but the car has no heat. That makes me think it's 5 he water pump. Do water pumps make noise when they are on their way out? Is it possible to replace the pump without changing the timing chain? I don't really have the time to replace the timing chain. Thanks for the help.

 

Noise is typically a crunching or rattling sound .
And sure U can replace just the pump but the chain still has to come off to get the pump out. IS the coolant low?

 

So either way the intake and valve covers have to be removed?

 

yep no way around it Check that coolant level first IM sure its low then put a pressure tester on it and see where its leaking from.

 

Thanks. Is there a how to anywhere on here for this?

 

have no idea its not for the fain of heats I can assure u, If buy a manual and go from there see all of what it entails and then decide if u want to do it on have a pro.

 

Hello.

Can you tell me what the circular port on the left in the picture below is for? The old water pump I had doesn't have that port, and the new one (with the port) simply has a plug in there.

I am interested in what that port might be used for, and why it's there.

thanks!
mikey