Water Pump - 3.5L: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Intrepid, 2004 Chrysler Intrepid, 2004 Chrysler Concorde, and 2004 Chrysler 300M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect and replace the water pump if it has any of the following defects:

Damage or cracks on the pump body.
Coolant leaks; if the seal is leaking, this will be evident by traces of thick deposits of dried glycol running down the pump body and components below. A thin black stain below pump weep hole/passage is considered normal operation.
Impeller rubs inside of the rear timing belt cover.
Excessively loose or rough turning bearing.
NOTE: It is normal for the water pump to weep a small amount of coolant from the weep hole (black stain on water pump body). Do not replace the water pump if this condition exists. Replace the water pump if a heavy deposit or a steady flow of engine coolant is evident on water pump body. This indicates a shaft seal failure and pump must be replaced. Be sure to perform a thorough analysis before replacing water pump.