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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a water pump pulley?
Where can I get my water pump pulley replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my water pump pulley?
What happens if I don’t replace my water pump pulley?
What is a water pump pulley?
Can I replace my water pump pulley myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a water pump pulley?

You can expect an average total replacement cost of $270 for a water pump pulley replacement, with $73 for parts and $197 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace a water pump pulley? In general, it takes around 1.7 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 water pump pulley replacement costs for different vehicles:

Water pump pulley replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 24, 2024	Cory, 21 Kansas City, KS	Eagle Talon	$273	$62	$211	1.7 Hours
April 23, 2024	Nelle, 24 Sioux Falls, SD	Alfa Romeo Giulia	$225	$62	$163	1.7 Hours
April 21, 2024	Blanche, 27 Jacksonville, FL	Saab 45172	$291	$131	$160	1.4 Hours
April 19, 2024	Sara, 31 Tempe, AZ	Kia Rio	$265	$62	$203	1.7 Hours
April 15, 2024	Samuel, 37 Mobile, AL	Lincoln MKZ	$556	$131	$426	3.4 Hours

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.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

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

You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here’s a general rundown:

Water pump pulley: The water pump pulley connects your vehicle’s water pump to your timing belt and is the main component of this repair. The pulley ensures that the water pump has enough power to send coolant throughout the engine, and a pulley replacement part will typically cost you between $20 and $150.

Water pump

: The water pump is part of the cooling system that works to push water from the motor to the radiator, where it can cool down before returning to the engine. A water pump replacement is not required when replacing the pulley, but it can be a good idea. The average cost for a water pump is around $45 to $150.

Drive belt: The drive belt—or the serpentine belt—is connected to various components within your engine bay, including the water pump, and it helps to keep the water pump pulley working correctly. A belt replacement isn’t required but can be completed when replacing the water pump pulley. A serpentine belt will cost you around $20 to $80.

Drive belt tensioner

: The drive belt tensioner works to keep constant tension on your belt so it stays taut on the crankshaft pulley. A tensioner usually costs between $40 to $400.

Some reputable brands we recommend include Dorman, ACDelco, and Genuine Parts Company (GPC), for reliable and quality water pump pulley part replacements. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, both online and in-store. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

When replacing your water pump pulley, you can look for aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts will save you money and likely provide the same quality. Just be sure to do your research on aftermarket suppliers—and consult your mechanic if necessary—before making a purchase.

Where can I buy parts for my water pump pulley replacement?

Water pump pulley replacement kits and parts can be purchased at auto body shops and auto parts shops like Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. Parts can also be found on Amazon. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find the list of the specs for replacements.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my water pump pulley replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can make the search for a mechanic to replace your water pump pulley 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.

190 Reviews

Byrider Fairfield

5515 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH

Water Pump Pulley Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$162

(Parts - $50, Labor - $112)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$65

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (513) 939-2700

129 Reviews

Accurate Smog & Auto Repair

7060 Schirra Ct #101, Bakersfield, CA

Water Pump Pulley Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$204

(Parts - $50, Labor - $154)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$140

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (661) 827-8700

171 Reviews

Regal Auto Care Tire Pros

1901 Auburn Way N,, Auburn, WA

Water Pump Pulley Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$234

(Parts - $50, Labor - $184)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$180.33

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (253) 735-3363

100 Reviews

Wrench Inc. - OKC

Water Pump Pulley Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$225

(Parts - $50, Labor - $175)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

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 water pump pulley?

Preparation: Your mechanic will raise the hood of your vehicle and prepare the necessary tools.

Remove the drive belt: Next, your mechanic will loosen the drive belt tensioner and then remove the belt from the water pump pulley.

Remove the water pump pulley: Your mechanic will remove the mounting bolts securing the pulley to the water pump and pull the water pump pulley out.

Insert the water pump pulley: At this point, your mechanic will install the new water pump pulley and attach it to the water pump.

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

If you fail to take care of a faulty water pump pulley, your water pump and coolant system can’t function properly—which could lead to an

overheating engine

. This can cause expensive damage and even engine failure, so it’s best to replace your water pump pulley as soon as you notice signs of failure.

What is a water pump pulley?

A water pump pulley is a pulley within the cooling system that attaches the water pump to the timing belt and is typically driven by a drive belt or serpentine belt.

Although the water pump pulley is a small part of the system, your water pump—which is essential to circulating coolant throughout your car’s engine to cool it off—can’t operate correctly without the pulley providing the necessary power.

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

Signs of a faulty water pump pulley are similar to those of a bad water pump. You should have your water pump pulley checked out by a mechanic if you notice any of the following warning signs:

A lit temperature warning light

Grinding noises

An overheating engine

A mechanic might also notice damage to the water pump pulley during an oil change or other maintenance.

How often should a water pump pulley be replaced?

Your vehicle’s water pump pulley is meant to last for the vehicle’s lifetime, but they can be damaged or worn out. It’s best to keep an eye out for warning signs of a bad water pump pulley and take your car to a mechanic when necessary.

Can I replace my water pump pulley myself?

If you’re confident in the field of DIY auto repair, you can complete a water pump pulley replacement at home, but the replacement requires specialized tools and you will need to work with various parts of your vehicle. For most car owners, letting a professional handle your water pump pulley is the best plan.

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FAQs

Can you replace just the pulley on a water pump?

You can replace just the water pump pulley, but it might be worth it to replace your water pump while your mechanic is working on your vehicle already.

How do I know if my water pump pulley is bad?

The following are signs of a bad water pump pulley:

A lit temperature warning light

Grinding noises

An overheating engine

What happens if the water pump pulley breaks?

Your water pump and coolant system can’t operate properly without a functioning water pump pulley—which could lead to an overheating engine. This can cause engine damage and even engine failure, so it’s best to replace your water pump pulley before you’re facing expensive repair costs.

Should I replace the water pump pulley?

Water pump pulleys are meant to last as long as your vehicle, but they can be replaced with your water pump if you notice issues or want to update your cooling system.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

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.

Jessica Barrett

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.

Kathleen Flear

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.