You can expect an average total replacement cost of $509 for a water pump replacement, with $189 for parts and $320 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace a water pump? In general, it takes around 2.7 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 replacement costs for different vehicles:

Water pump replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 22, 2024	Lettie, 25 Westfield, MA	Lexus GS	$761	$251	$510	4.6 Hours
April 19, 2024	Dollie, 31 Troy, OH	Volvo S80	$436	$95	$341	3.5 Hours
April 17, 2024	Austin, 35 Lafayette, IN	Fiat 500L	$457	$177	$280	3.5 Hours
April 14, 2024	Nathan, 39 Orlando, FL	Hummer H3	$478	$95	$383	3.5 Hours
April 13, 2024	Francis, 41 Elizabeth, NJ	Mini Cooper	$810	$251	$559	4.6 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.

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What parts do I need for my water pump replacement?

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

Water pump: The water pump is part of the cooling system and is the main component in the replacement. The water pump pushes water from the motor to the radiator, where it can cool down before returning to the engine. The average cost for a water pump is around $45 to $150.

Timing belt: The

timing belt

connects the crankshaft and camshaft(s), and it will likely have to be removed to access the water pump. While not necessary, it is often recommended that you replace the timing belt with the water pump while the engine is already disassembled. A new timing belt can cost anywhere from $15 to $400.

Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant. As your vehicle warms up, the thermostat blocks the coolant from flowing to the radiator, and once your vehicle reaches the necessary temperature for operation, the thermostat will open. Again, it is not required that the thermostat is replaced with the water pump, but it is usually a good idea. A thermostat will cost from $20 to $100 on average.

Some reputable brands we recommend include ACDelco, Gates, and GMB for reliable and quality water pump replacements. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as RockAuto, Amazon, and AutoZone, 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, you can opt for aftermarket parts over OEM ones. Many aftermarket brands actually manufacture water pumps for automakers, who simply add their brand to the part. Buying aftermarket parts will save you money and likely provide the same quality. Just be sure to do your research—and consult your mechanic if necessary—before making a purchase.

Where can I buy parts for my water pump replacement?

You can purchase water pump replacement kits and parts at auto body shops and auto parts shops like RockAuto, Amazon, and AutoZone. You can also find kits on Amazon. To find the list of the specs for replacements, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my 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 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.

166 Reviews

Meineke Car Care Center 267

6350 Sheridan Boulevard, Arvada, CO

Water Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$492

(Parts - $237, Labor - $255)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$65

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (303) 766-5468

138 Reviews

TNT Automotive Repair

6733 Baker Blvd C, Richland Hills, TX

Water Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$475

(Parts - $237, Labor - $238)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$125

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (817) 284-4333

158 Reviews

Kerry's Car Care - Mariposa

545 W Mariposa St, Phoenix, AZ

Water Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$554

(Parts - $237, Labor - $317)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$177

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (602) 714-3360

121 Reviews

New Life Automotive

4301 Washington St, Halethorpe, MD

Water Pump Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$455

(Parts - $237, Labor - $218)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$118

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (410) 242-6232

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?

A 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 water pump, your mechanic will replace it with these steps:

Drain the

coolant

: After letting your engine cool, your mechanic will drain the engine coolant to a level below the water pump.

Remove parts: Next, your mechanic will remove any necessary parts to gain access to the water pump. This could include the timing belt or timing chain that drives the pump, the

belt tensioner

, and any pulleys or hoses.

Remove the water pump: Your mechanic will remove the bolts holding the pump in place and then remove the pump.

Clean and inspect the mounting surface: Your mechanic will clean and inspect the gasket surface and the pump mounting surface before replacing any parts.

Insert the new water pump: Your mechanic will install the new gasket/seal and then insert the water pump, using a torque wrench to torque the bolts.

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

If you ignore the warning signs of a water pump failure, your engine could

overheat

—or freeze—causing all kinds of damage to the gaskets, cylinder heads, and pistons. A water pump malfunction can even lead to engine failure, so it’s best to get your water pump replaced before you face costlier repairs.

What is a water pump?

The water pump is an accessory that assists in keeping your motor cool, typically located on the front of the engine. Coolant needs to cycle through the engine to keep it at an optimum temperature, and the water pump is a vital component of that process. With help from the timing belt or the drive belt (like a serpentine belt), the water pump uses an impeller to push engine coolant through the engine block and cylinder head to the radiator. In the radiator, the coolant is cooled to a lower temperature in the radiator, then the pump pushes the coolant back out to the motor, and this cycle repeats as you operate your vehicle, keeping the coolant circulating through your vehicle.

When should I replace the water pump in my car?

You should take your car to a mechanic to inspect the water pump if you notice any of the following warning signs:

Coolant leaks from the weep hole: The weep hole is a small opening located at the bottom of your water pump, and coolant leaking from the weep hole could indicate a faulty water pump.

Grinding or rough noises: If you hear a low grinding noise while your engine is running, it could be coming from your water pump. These noises signal that the pump’s internal mechanisms have worn out and it’s time for a replacement.

A lit

temperature warning light

: When this light goes on, the temperature of your coolant is too high and the engine is likely too hot—which could signal an issue with your water pump.

How often should a water pump be replaced?

Water pumps should generally be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. However, it’s best to check your owner’s manual or consult your mechanic since the age or mileage limit can differ depending on your vehicle.

Can I replace my water pump myself?

You can complete a water pump replacement at home if you’ve got experience with DIY auto repair, but the replacement will call for knowledge of your vehicle’s engine and the removal of various parts. In most cases, a professional is better equipped to replace your vehicle’s water pump.

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FAQs

Can you drive with a broken water pump?

While you can drive with a bad water pump, you should avoid doing so. Without a properly functioning water pump, your engine could be overheating, causing expensive engine damage and even engine failure. It’s best to replace you water pump as soon as possible to avoid hefty repair costs.

How do I know if my water pump is bad?

Symptoms of a bad water pump include:

Coolant leaking from the weep hole

Grinding or rough noises

A lit temperature warning light

What is the life expectancy of a car water pump?

The lifespan of a water pump is typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles. However, it’s best to check your owner’s manual or consult your mechanic since the age or mileage limit can differ depending on your type of vehicle.

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.