Water Pump Replacement Cost: Pros and Cons 2024

Every combustion engine vehicle has a cooling system that keeps the coolant flowing into the engine from the car radiator to keep your car engine cool.

The water pump happens to be one of the most important parts of a car cooling system.

A nonfunctional water pump can result in overheating, thereby causing more damage to your car engine and sometimes resulting in fire outbreaks from your engine.

It is very important and mandatory to replace your car’s water pump as soon as you notice it is malfunctioning. This prevents your car from further damage.

To give you an idea of the necessity of water pump replacement, we will review the average cost of replacing a car water pump, the pros and cons associated with water pump replacement, and a DIY replacement process.

Type of Automobile Water Pump

Electric Water Pumps

This type of water pump helps to effectively reduce engine heat, it is mostly integrated into a modern engine. Electric pumps allow cooling according to the system’s needs.

It also reduces engine power required, and this, in turn, minimizes pollutant emissions, consumption of fuel, and friction losses.

Mechanical water pumps

In this type of pump, the coolant gets heat from the cylinder head and engine block and then releases it into the atmosphere through the radiator.

Mechanic pumps are common in vehicles, and they are very effective.

Auxiliary water pumps

Auxiliary water pumps support the main water pump. Depending on the car’s cooling system, some cars can have more than one auxiliary pump.

Variable water pump

The variable water pump acts on the cooling system when needed.

It increases the performance of your engine causing fuel to be consumed at a lower rate, resulting in a reduction of pollutants in the environment.

Water Pump Car Replacement Cost

The cost of a water pump replacement depends on factors like the make and model of your vehicle, your mechanics’ pay rate per hour in your locality, and whether other parts are required to be replaced alongside the water pump.

In most cases when a car has a broken or faulty water pump you might have to also replace the water lines, the timing belt, etc.

Although a water pump costs around $150 -to $1500 to replace. As earlier stated, the cost of replacing a water pump depends on the make and model of your car and the cost of labor.

An Infiniti G35 will cost $390 – $435 for water pump purchase and $450 – $1,005 for labor.
Audi A4 will cost around $153 – $995 for purchasing a water pump and around $161 – $692 for labor costs.
Toyota Camry costs $99 $282 for the water pump purchase and about $ 114 – $226 for the cost of labor.
Honda Accord will cost $84 – $357 to purchase a water pump and $114 – $ 284 for labor.
Nissan Altima will cost about $152 – $202 for the purchase of a water pump and $123 – $ 396 for labor costs.
VW Golf will cost $88 – $450 for water pump purchase and about $95 – $458 for labor.
Toyota Rav4 costs about $86 – $283 for the purchase of a water pump and about $95 – $229 for the cost of labor.

Two Water Pump Replacement Options to Consider

Rebuilt/Remanufactured Water Pump

Getting a rebuilt/remanufactured water pump can help save more money than getting a new one. But it is not always a good option as a rebuilt water pump cannot be compared to getting a new one.

Remanufacturing a water pump is aimed at reducing cost, and in that regard, sub-standard materials are used.

Most rebuilt water pump comes with a nominal warranty if any at all. They might sometimes have oversized bearings meant to make up for wear on the shaft and housing resulting in the risk of failure.

New Water Pumps

Replacing a broken or faulty water pump in your car with an OEM quality part can be slightly expensive.

Most manufacturers tend to sell brand-new water pumps at a competitive rate.

It comes with a warranty which is a much better deal, and the recurring problem is greatly reduced compared to getting a rebuilt water pump as it tends to cause more problems in no time.

Advantages of Water Pump Replacement

Noise Reduction

Replacing a broken or faulty water pump helps the car reduce engine noise.

Older water pumps have a bearing with some tear and wear causing the water pump to make a whining and grinding noise while your car is in motion.

Saves Fuel

Older water pumps are likely to have a worn bearing and this leads to an increase in friction, resulting in a loss of engine efficiency.

Replacing a worn water pump leads to an increase in engine efficiency and it also helps to save fuel.

Procedure for Water Pump Replacement

Before replacing your car’s water pump, be sure to park your car in a dry level place, and park the wheel straight to allow the engine to cool down.

Remove and keep the negative post from the battery in a place where it won’t come in contact with metal.

Step 1

Drain the coolant using an oil drain pan. After it has completely drained, cover the pump.

Step 2

Apply gasket sealant to the water pump after you’ve installed the gasket.

Step 3

Use the right screwdriver to unscrew the clamp connecting the hoses to the water pump. Pour any liquid remaining into the drain pan.

Step 4

Take out the water pump retainer nuts. It’s advisable you get a good removal tool.

Step 5

Clean and scrap if the gasket seal is stuck in its position.

Step 6

Ensure that the pump is properly fastened before replacement. Use a gasket sealer to prevent it from leaking.

Step 7

Make sure the hoses and clamps are secured properly to avoid leakage.

Step 8

Using a belt tension gauge, adjust the belt tension to its appropriate length.

Finally, before you start your car engine, ensure that the coolant system is properly refilled. Wait and observe for leakages before you drive.

FAQs

Is a Water Pump Replacement Worth it?

It is an important component of the cooling system that keeps the coolant circulating, it also plays a crucial role in ensuring the engine operates at its appropriate temperature. So yes, replacing an old and malfunctioning water pump is worth it.

Will Replacing My Car’s Water Pump Improve Performance?

It is safe to say getting a new pump to replace an old worn bearing can lead to a small increase in the regulation of the cars engine and help to save fuel and reduce engine noise.

Will a Water Pump Replacement last long?

In order for your cars water pump to last long, it is recommended that the coolant is changed regularly. Because a dirty coolant can shorten the lifespan of your car’s water pump. The service life of a water pump is 60,000 to 90,000 miles with proper care while getting a cheap water pump to replace the old worn one, it may begin leakage as low as 30,000 miles.

How do I know I have a Bad Water Pump?

Water pump failure is an easily noticeable fault. You know you have a bad water pump when you notice coolant leaking from the water pump, whining and grinding sound from the engine area, and overheating recurring almost every time.

Can I Drive a Car with a Bad Water Pump?

Driving a car with any faulty system is not advisable, this includes a faulty water pump. The dangers of running your car on a faulty water pump cannot be over-exaggerated. Please do not try attempting this. When your pump is bad, you need to replace it immediately.

Final Thoughts

Riding a car with a sound engine and with all parts intact makes the ride enjoyable.

Most times, cars overheat, suffer engine failure, make whining and grinding noise, and have coolant leakage because of a damaged water pump.

Trying to manage a bad water pump may destroy other parts of the car engine.

You have to replace the old water pump if this happens. The total estimated water pump repair cost ranges from $300 to$ 1500; purchase of water pump and labor inclusive.

The labor fee is quite high because water pump replacement can take a while to get fixed.