How to determine if my Water pump needs replaced on a 97 Windstar

Its behind the water pump and timing chain cover.
You'll need a book to get the directions to replace it.

have a compression test done to determine a head gasket or cracked head. Have a coolant system pressure test done to test for system leaks.. Check that a thermostat was installed correctly or was in fact installed as you need one to maintain correct flow rate to allow heat to move to the radiator fins and to the air flow.

braces usually go on alternator, a/c compressor or power steering pump

water hose? its a lot more involved than that. if it needs an oil pump...it needs more than that. have a shop check it out.

Check all the pulleys for play in the bearings of the pulleys,and check the water pump play,pin the water pump by hand to see if it is it.The frozen water pump,will leak,most likely,hope the engine is o k.

check each pulley for free rotation if not replace each item

water pump is leaking because it worn out need to replace water pump the seals has gone out in yours will completely go out and your motor will over heat may result in major problems if not replaced

there are 4 nuts on the back of the fan and a big nut on the fan shaft turn the one on the shaft toward the right

try http://www.kia.com