1997 Jeep Cherokee Water Pump replacement

[quote:461b792c00="Nech"]Engine Cooling problem
1997 Jeep Cherokee 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 143000 miles
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After reading thru your site, I'm pretty sure I blew my water pump on the Cherokee...all the symptoms whine, now a leak. Called my local mechanic and without a thought quoted me 5 to 6 hundred dollars.

I think that's outrageous! I quickly priced out the pump, a new thermostat, gaskets and serpentine belt and that tallies below 125...Is it that difficult to replace this that they are asking/charging such an exhorbitant fee ? Or should I find a new mechanic?

Thanks![/quote:461b792c00] I have replaced the water pump and it is no beginner project and should be done by mechanic it took me 6 hours from beginning to end

Go here
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mitchell1eautorepair-car-repair-manuals
step-by-step instructions....... Not the hardest w/pump out there, depends on your abilities