96 C280 Water Pump

[countman]

While changing the oil in my 1996 C280 the other day, I noticed a small amount ( about a Tablespoon) of antifreeze on the garage floor. Further investigation showed this to be coming from what looked to be the back side of the water pump.

I think that I need to replace the water pump, my question is how? What needs to be removed in order to remove the old water pump? I have heard nightmare stories about having to remove the fan clutch, and how this should be done by the shop, etc....

What is the real story on removal and replacement of the water pump? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.