This is one of those "out of the blue" problems, no previous symptoms.

Started the car today and as I pulled out of the driveway, I heard sound that didn't sound right. Almost a scraping sound, but continued even at the stop sign at the end of the block. I turned around and pulled back in the driveway, shut the car off and was surprised to see a little steam coming from under the front of the bonnet and smell coolant.

I got out and opened it up to see a small amount of coolant around the front of the engine and a small leak on the ground. My first assumption based on the sound, etc. is the main water pump has gone bad.

The car has 9X,XXX miles on it and to my knowledge, this has never been changed. The radiator fan, DCCV and thermostat are all new within the past 2-3 years.

Question #1. Is this a relatively easy shade tree job on the STR or should I find a decent shop?
Question #2. If it is a good DIY project, is there a good step by step tutorial or better yet video available?
Question #3. If I need a shop, would you trust a good everyday mechanic or seek a Jag expert?

I have changed water pumps on several vehicles in the past, but none as complex as the STR.

Finally, the water pumps available at the local parts house also come with a plastic impeller. If the replacement is good for 10 yrs / 100k miles, I am OK with that!

 

If you can change the DCCV you won't have any problem with the water pump.

The JTIS will have the instructions but it's pretty simple so you can just take a look at what needs to come off. Consider putting new belts on since you will need to take the old ones off.
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Check the thermostat inlet, and hoses. Close to 100,000 miles, proactively replace anyway along with the coolant. +1 on the belts too. Sounds like a 100,000 mile tune up anyway.

Then drive another 100,000 miles.

 

Thanks!

 

Let us know how it went.
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My water pump took around 2 hours ,plus bleeding around 30 min ! only had to disconnect the one
belt not remove any !
Gmb I recon is the pump of choice as my original pump
Had a plastic propeller and plastic bakerlite rear half with an o ring seal in the block
,my plastic rear half perished and leaked, pretty crap design , the new gmb pump has a steel prop and an alloy rear half that
Flange seals to the front face of the block ! Mutch better !
Bleading the coolant and charge coolers on an s type R is crucial !
Have you sorted yours yet ?