How much does it cost to replace a water pump?
A water pump replacement can cost anywhere from $400 to over $1,000. Replacement parts—including a new pump, gasket, gasket sealer, antifreeze, and in some cases, a clutch fan—usually cost between $200 to $400, with labor expenses making up the difference.
Of course, the exact price depends on the make and model of your particular vehicle, and how long the repair takes. A water pump replacement could take two to three hours if it’s easy to reach, but it could also take an entire day on a vehicle that requires moving other components to access the pump. Certain small vehicles require that the timing belt be removed, which will further increase your costs.
What is a water pump?
A water pump circulates coolant through an engine to keep it running at a steady temperature (usually between 180 and 250 degrees) and prevent it from overheating. If a car engine is too cold, it won’t run efficiently, and if it’s too hot, it might expand and seize up.
Modern internal combustion cars are powered by controlled explosions inside of the engine. Without a functional cooling system, the tremendous heat from those explosions can damage the engine and lead to long-term damage.
Old cars cooled down by enabling air to flow around the engine, but most new cars incorporate liquid cooling. In this system, a water pump pushes coolant —typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water —through the engine block and cylinder heads (where it absorbs heat), to the radiator (where it releases heat into the air), and then back to the engine again in an ongoing cycle.
Older vehicles typically have mechanical water pumps that are driven by the engine via a belt. More modern vehicles have water pumps that are powered by the vehicle’s electrical system.
How do I know if my water pump has gone bad?
On modern cars, a water pump should typically last 100,000 miles or more—but if you notice any of these symptoms, there could be a problem with it:
- The dashboard light shows that the water temperature gauge is high, or that you have low coolant.
- Smoke or steam is gushing from the front of your car.
- A low, grinding sound is coming from the engine.
- You notice greenish-colored antifreeze or coolant on the ground, indicating a leak somewhere in the cooling system. Some pumps have a “weep hole” where liquid drips out if the pump is beginning to fail.
There are various reasons why a water pump might fail:
- The impeller, or the part of the water pump that pushes the coolant around your engine, may be damaged.
- The pump could be clogged with rust or detritus.
- Belts that power the pump may have become loose or broken.
- Bearings in the pump could have worn out.
- Various seals, gaskets, hoses, or tubes could have worn out, causing coolant to leak.
- Cavitation: Hot vapors may have gotten into small voids in the pump’s metal or plastic components, eroding or cracking them.
Can I still drive my car with a faulty water pump?
It’s best not to drive your car if the water pump is broken. Without the required lubricant flowing through the system, seals can overheat and cause coolant to leak further. A severely damaged pump can cause serious long-term damage, including a complete engine failure.
Can I replace the water pump myself?
If you have sufficient mechanical experience, you might be able to change a water pump yourself. Basic steps will include draining the coolant, removing a belt, unbolting the old pump, swapping in a new one, then reinstalling the belt and coolant.
Otherwise, it’s best to let a professional mechanic replace the water pump—especially because it may be located beneath other important components and could require special tools to access. Attempting it yourself might save on labor costs, but mistakes could lead to additional problems and cost more in the long run.
The bottom line
You can take some preventative steps to extend the lifespan of your water pump, including:
- Perform regular maintenance on your car’s cooling system. Flush the coolant and check parts such as hoses, belts, and clamps for deterioration.
- Avoid stop-and-go traffic, extreme hot or cold temperatures, or driving for long periods at high-speeds — all of which stress the water pump.
FAQ
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Can you drive with a broken water pump?
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How do I know if my water pump is bad?
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What is the life expectancy of a car water pump?
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.
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who previously lead 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.
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.
*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.
