 | Water Pump: $50-$100+ |
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 | Labor: $200-$450 |
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 | Professional Replacement: $300-$750 |
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| The water pump pushes coolant throughout the engine to prevent it from overheating. Water pumps generally need to be replaced around 100,000 miles or so. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Hiring a mechanic to replace a water pump typically costs $300 -$750, depending on the make and model of car and the more parts that need to be removed.
- Purchased separately, a water pump typically costs $50- $100 or more, depending on the make and model of the car. For example, Iowa-based retailer Northern Auto Parts sells the Airtex Water Pump AW9461, which fits the 2003 Honda Accord, for $71. Online retailer AutoPartsWarehouse.com sells the Beck Arnley Water Pump, which fits the 1997-2000 BMW 528i, for $96.
- Expect to pay $200 -$450 total for labor, depending on the how difficult it is to reach the water pump, any additional parts that need to be removed and whether the car uses a timing belt or timing chain. The job takes about three and a half to four hours to complete.
- Dealerships typically charge more, but their technicians are intimately familiar with the make of cars they work on and they use factory parts. Independent repair shops may charge less, but they use aftermarket parts, which are manufactured to factory specifications, but are not made by the automaker.
What should be included: | - The car's coolant must be drained in order to perform the repair. The drive belt or timing belt must also be removed, along with any other parts that obstruct access and the gasket that is affixed between the water pump gasket that is placed between the engine and water pump.
- Car owners should expect a mechanic to replace the water pump and the coolant, and in some case replace the belts if they are worn or cracked.
- If possible, it is best to get an estimate before approving any work. However, if the water pump has developed a severe leak or has failed outright, this might not be possible.
Additional costs: | - Adding coolant, and repairing fan belts and seals can affect the overall cost of the repair, depending on the car, due to the extra labor involved.
- A mechanic may suggest to replace the water pump at the same time they're replacing the timing belt or timing chain, to reduce costs. This is because the timing belt or chain must be removed to access the water pump on some vehicles, and performing the repair at this time eliminates the need to do it later.
Discounts: | - Some repair shops might off a discount on repairs for regular customers, usually about 10% or so.
- Water pump replacement is a difficult job best left to professional mechanics or those with advanced auto-repair experience. DMV.org, an automotive message board not affiliated with any state government, explains how to replace a water pump.
Shopping for replacing a water pump: | |
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Article updated July 2011 |
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