Fixing a water pump refers to the process of replacing an essential part of your vehicle's cooling system. It is one of the least complicated procedures to carry out, as far as auto repairs go, so almost anyone who can operate a wrench can do this on their own.
In summary, changing a water pump can be straightforward for some vehicles and more complicated for others. If you're comfortable with DIY car repairs, it can be a manageable task. However, if you're uncertain, it may be wise to consult a professional mechanic.
A water pump should last anywhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. A water pump replacement costs between $400 and $800 depending on the vehicle and the difficulty involved. Parts can run from $200 to $400, with labor services similarly priced.
Generally while replacing a new water pump, the coolant is also replaced. This would ensure that the cooling is to the optimum with the new pump and coolant. Using of the old coolant is not advisable since it would have gathered dirt and dust over time.
Call for Help: Contact a tow service or roadside assistance to have your vehicle transported to a repair shop. Driving with a bad water pump, especially if it's blown, is not advisable.
The time it takes to replace a water pump can vary significantly based on the type of pump, its location, and the complexity of your plumbing system. Generally, the replacement process can take anywhere from two hours to a full day.
In order to replace the water pump, the timing cover, timing chain and valve covers must be removed. This is a time-consuming and parts & labor-intensive process, which is why the cost of the repair is so high.
If completely failed, you can't “go” at all. If the water pump is beginning to fail you can drive for quite a while as long as your cooling system can still hold coolant.
The expected lifespan of a water pump is 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles, but many can last longer than that. Usually, once your car has reached the coveted 100,000 miles, you can plan on the need for a pump replacement soon. Sometimes, this cooling system part will give you signs that it needs to be replaced.
As discussed earlier, the water pump is one of the most important components for your car as it makes sure that your engine operates without interruption under perfect working temperature. It is imperative to keep a watch at its functional value to ensure that your engine does not undergo irreparable damages.
In some cases, the water pump can maintain this type of operation for weeks or months, or even longer, or it could fail immediately after by seizing up.
The first steps in removing any water pump are to let the engine cool off completely, and then drain the cooling system by either opening the radiator petcock or disconnecting the bottom radiator hose. Next, do whatever is necessary to remove the accessory drivebelts.
Labor costs are estimated between $257 and $324 while parts are priced between $480 and $557. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed. For a more accurate estimate based on your location, use our Fair Price Estimator below.
Typically, the recommended interval for replacing the water pump is every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on various factors, such as the car model, road and weather conditions, and driving behavior.
When the water pump fails, there may be insufficient coolant running through the engine causing it to run too hot and overheat. This can lead to the failure of the engine gasket, cylinder head, and other components. If left unfixed, your engine could get so damaged that it requires an overhaul.
Solar well pumps cost $1,800 to $6,500 and are great for people who don't want to rely on local electricity supplies. Constant-pressure pumps cost $2,000 to $5,000 and are more of a luxury pump with unique controls. Windmill water pumps cost $5,000 to $21,000 and are great for off-grid homes.
Starter borehole pumps can run for up to 24 hours. However, your everyday borehole pump will run between 6 & 8 hours. It is not good for your borehole pump to run continuously.
Another problem that a carbon dioxide test could possibly reveal is a ruptured cylinder head, which causes similar symptoms to a failed head gasket. In many cases, a cylinder head crack will be too tiny for the human eye to spot, yet it could still be a major problem.
If the coolant level is dropping and there is no external leak evident, then the coolant is probably leaking internally, into the engine. If the car has recently overheated then this could have caused the head gasket to fail. If it has, it could be leaking coolant into the combustion chambers.