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Auxiliary Water Pump Replacement Cost Estimate

Worried you might overpay for your auxiliary water pump replacement? Use Jerry's GarageGuard™ to get fair cost estimate for your auxiliary water pump replacement.
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John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
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Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
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Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

How much does it cost to replace an auxiliary water pump?

You can expect an average total replacement cost of $420 for an auxiliary water pump replacement, with $177 for parts and $242 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.
How long does it take to replace an auxiliary water pump? In general, it takes around 2.1 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement. 
Here’s an overview of auxiliary water pump replacement costs for different vehicles:
Auxiliary water pump replacement cost for various vehicles
Estimate DateCustomerCarFair Cost EstimateParts CostLabor CostLabor Time
November 16, 2024
Audi A3
$485
$222
$263
2.1 Hours
November 6, 2024
Buick Regal
$506
$222
$284
2.1 Hours
November 5, 2024
Geo Prizm
$464
$222
$242
2.1 Hours
November 3, 2024
Mazda Speed
$553
$222
$331
2.1 Hours
November 3, 2024
Mercury Sable
$456
$222
$234
2.1 Hours
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How did we estimate these prices?

Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

What parts do I need for my auxiliary water pump replacement?

You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here’s a general rundown:
  • Auxiliary water pump: The auxiliary water pump is the main component of this replacement, and its job is to circulate hot coolant to the heater core to warm up your vehicle’s cabin in the winter. The cost of an auxiliary water pump can range from $50 to over $500.
Some reputable brands we recommend include ACDelco, Pierburg, and Bosch for reliable and quality auxiliary water pump part replacements. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and RockAuto, both online and in-store. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.
You should purchase OEM auxiliary water pump replacement parts. OEM parts are guaranteed to fit your vehicle, and they sometimes even come with a warranty. When it comes to auxiliary water pumps, many OEM parts cost about the same—or less—than aftermarket parts, so you can opt for trusty OEM replacement parts without breaking the bank.
Auxiliary water pump replacement kits and parts are readily available at auto body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and RockAuto. Parts and kits can also be purchased on Amazon. You should consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to find the list of the specs for replacements.

Where can I get my auxiliary water pump replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's
GarageGuard™
can make the search for a mechanic to replace your auxiliary water pump a lot easier.
Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.
Here’s a look at some of our vetted shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.
154 Reviews
Pep Boys Auto Parts & Service - Covington Hwy #228
address
5380 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA
Water Pump Auxiliary
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$481
(Parts - $193, Labor - $288)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$100
163 Reviews
Velasquez Auto Care - Hampton
address
7623 W Hampton Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Water Pump Auxiliary
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$414
(Parts - $193, Labor - $221)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$35
127 Reviews
Ingleside Auto & Tire Care
address
34811 N Wilson Rd, Ingleside, IL
Water Pump Auxiliary
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$519
(Parts - $193, Labor - $326)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$0
183 Reviews
Eurocraft Motorsports
address
71 Rosedale Rd, Watertown, MA
Water Pump Auxiliary
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$424
(Parts - $193, Labor - $231)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$110
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How did we vet these shops?

Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my auxiliary water pump?

An auxiliary water pump replacement requires a comprehensive understanding of car engines and mechanics, so you should take your car to a professional for this job. If your car has a failing auxiliary water pump, your mechanic will replace it with these steps:
  1. Drain the
    coolant
    : Once your engine is cooled off, your mechanic will drain the engine coolant from the system.
  2. Remove parts: Next, your mechanic will remove any necessary parts to access the auxiliary water pump. This could include radiator hoses, the serpentine belt, and heater hoses.
  3. Remove the auxiliary water pump: Your mechanic will remove the auxiliary water pump by removing the mounting bolts holding the pump in place.
  4. Prep the mounting surface and new pump: Your mechanic will apply silicone to the mounting surface and add the new gasket or o-ring to the auxiliary water pump.
  5. Insert the new auxiliary water pump: Then, your mechanic will insert the new auxiliary water pump onto the timing cover or engine block or timing cover and tighten the mounting bolts.
  6. Reassemble parts: Your mechanic will work in reverse order to reassemble all the removed parts.

What happens if I don’t replace my auxiliary water pump?

If your vehicle’s auxiliary water pump fails, you could experience reduced heater performance, especially when idling or driving at low speeds. While this doesn’t directly influence your driving, it can affect the comfort of you and your fellow passengers in the cabin. You might also notice your window defrost is not working properly, which could lead to dangerous driving conditions.

What is an auxiliary water pump?

The auxiliary water pump is an electric water pump that helps to send hot coolant to the heater core so that your heater can warm up the cabin of the vehicle on cold days. Engine auxiliary water pumps are a relatively recent innovation in car history (since the late 1980s) and not every vehicle has one, but they have become fairly common in gasoline-powered vehicles.
Unlike your vehicle’s main water pump, which is powered by the drive belt, an auxiliary water pump is electronic, and the motor is electronically controlled.

When should I replace the auxiliary water pump in my car?

You should take your car to a mechanic for an auxiliary water pump replacement if you notice the following symptoms: 
  • Cold air blowing from the vehicle’s heater
  • Inconsistent heater temperature
  • Malfunctioning defrost system
  • Buzzing from underneath your dashboard
When you encounter these symptoms your first thought may be that you have an issue with your thermostat, but these problems are more likely signs of a faulty auxiliary water pump.

How often should an auxiliary water pump be replaced?

Auxiliary water pumps should last as long as your car, but of course, you might still run into issues. The best plan is to stay vigilant and look out for any warning signs that you might have a failing auxiliary water pump.

Can I replace my auxiliary water pump myself?

You can complete an auxiliary water pump replacement at home if you have experience with DIY auto repair, but the replacement is a very involved process. Most drivers should let a professional handle an auxiliary water pump replacement.

FAQs

Although they sport almost identical names, your vehicle’s water pump and auxiliary water pump serve different purposes.
  • Prevents your engine from overheating by pushing water from the motor to the radiator, where it can cool down before returning to the engine. 
  • Mechanically powered by a drive belt.
Auxiliary water pump:
  • Sends hot coolant to the heater core so that your heater can warm up the cabin of the vehicle on cold days.
  • Electronically controlled with a motor.
A bad auxiliary water pump is unlikely to cause engine overheating. Instead, you will notice inconsistent temperatures in the cabin and decreased performance from your window defrost.
The auxiliary water pump likely won’t affect your vehicle’s performance overall. However, with a facility auxiliary coolant pump, you might experience reduced heater performance in the cabin, which can affect cabin comfort, or notice your window defrost is not working properly, which could lead to dangerous driving conditions.
The auxiliary water heating is part of the coolant system with the job of circulating hot coolant to the heater core to warm up your vehicle’s cabin on cold days.

Meet Our Experts

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John Davis
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Car Expert
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Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
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Jessica Barrett
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Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
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Kathleen Flear
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Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through  best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.