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 A1 Cardone Select New Water Pump[1] , which fits the 2003 Honda Accord, for $49. Online retailer AutoPartsWarehouse.com sells the Beck Arnley Water Pump[2] , which fits the 1997-2000 BMW 528i, for $79.
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.
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 replacing the water pump at the same time as 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 offer 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[3] .
Shopping for replacing a water pump:
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a non-profit trade group for technicians and other automotive service professionals, has a searchable directory[4] of certified shops. Search for complaints with the Better Business Bureau[5] .
Several online retailers, including www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php>RockAuto.com and AutoPartsWarehouse.com[6] , sell water pumps. Water pumps are also available at national retailers, including Napa Auto Parts[7] and O'Reilly Auto Parts.
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Needs specialist tools to remove pulley from cam shaft to remove water pump bolts - Contacted several Automotive repair garages and no one wanted to do the job- Excuse was they didn't have the tools to do it.labor as due to all the items that had to be removed to get to the water pump.
Was charged 100.00 for the pump which I knew was high and 2 hours labor @ 100.00 an hour plus a new thermostat was thrown in. Thought very fair. included the antifreeze too. Done at Lukoil gas station off Eaglerock Ave. Mechanic was quite knowledgeable.
The mechanic said he had to charge me 100.00 extra for a new fan clutch Wich wasn't true at all I checked the price the water pump kit come s with a new fan clutch
Did it myself. Likely took much longer than a shop, but paid myself (essentially) $75/hr. Learn this type of easy stuff and you will save yourself tens of thousands of dollars over your life time (I have - brakes, water pumps, external easy stuff - it really isn't rocket science). It is also satisfying/rewarding when you can fix it yourself.
I was quoted $780 so I decided to get it done myself. It was quite easy to do just be sure to purchase anew ac belt/serpentine belt/ thermostat/RTV (NOTE APPLY LIGHT COAT) and spec out all torque specs. All said it took me 3 hours.
Went to the dealer for an oil change, found out water pump is leaking and belt is cracking (2nd belt). Car is at 109,731 miles. Got both replaced. I love the staff at the dealer, great parts and great work
The car had new belts and hoses put on when it was driven down from Washington State, so I didn't need those. Just had to remove radiator, air filter housing and alternator. Wasn't too bad.
Replacement of water pump, thermostat, and serpentine belt using dealer OEM parts, not cheaper after-market parts. Feb. 2016. Said labor total would exceed 3 hours, but only charged me for 1.5 hours.
Anti-freeze leaking, water pump swell/cracked. Mechanic quoted me the following: Water pump $57, Upper and Lower radiator hoses were soft, replaced $27 and $19. Thermostat (disposable, must be replaced when it's overheated) $20. 3.5 hours labor. Total $634. January 2016.
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