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CostHelper > Cars  > Replacing a Water Pump

Replacing a Water Pump Cost

How Much Does Replacing a Water Pump Cost?
 
low costWater Pump: $50-$100+average costLabor: $200-$450high costProfessional 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 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.
Related articles: Replacing a Timing Belt, Replacing a Timing Chain, Replacing a Transmission, Car Rental

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 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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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
1999 jeep cherokee sport
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: a user in East Hanover, NJ.Posted: June 22nd, 2018 03:06PM
Hours of Labor: 2
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.
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Ram 1500
Amount: $450.00
Posted by: Schrock in Sarasota, FL.Posted: February 28th, 2018 05:02PM
Hours of Labor: 2
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
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2002 Avalanche
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: a user in Ashland, KY.Posted: September 22nd, 2017 12:09PM
Hours of Labor: 4
Too daft and old to do it myself. Glad to provide my local garage work. Dealerships will skin you alive. Support the local folks.
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Water Pump - 2006 Grand Prix
Amount: $65.00
Posted by: a user in Mazomanie, WI.Posted: February 8th, 2017 06:02PM
Hours of Labor: 6
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.
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2003 GMC 1500
Amount: $148.00
Posted by: DiyMax in Temecula, CA.Posted: December 19th, 2016 08:12PM
Hours of Labor: I worked on it.
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.
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water pump
Amount: $125.00
Posted by: Hobo Charlie in pontiac, MI.Posted: August 14th, 2016 07:08PM
Hours of Labor: 3
It was a GMC jimmy it only took me 2 hours I only charge 75 bucks. Hobo Charlie.
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Water pump and belt replaced
Amount: $699.74
Posted by: 2006 scion xa in Arlington, VA.Posted: June 24th, 2016 01:06PM
Hours of Labor: 2.5
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
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2000 Blazer
Amount: $1,000.00
Posted by: Billy G. in Palm Springs, CA.Posted: June 16th, 2016 06:06PM
Hours of Labor: 17
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1997 Lincoln Towne Car
Amount: $35.00
Posted by: KJhart in Huntington Beach, CA.Posted: April 28th, 2016 08:04AM
Hours of Labor: 3-1/2
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.
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Replacing water pump
Amount: $264.00
Posted by: Kãyy in Dothan, AL.Posted: April 22nd, 2016 09:04AM
Hours of Labor: 3
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Water pump replacement
Amount: $260.00
Posted by: Lance Ross in Newport, KY.Posted: March 19th, 2016 08:03PM
Hours of Labor: 3
Replaced water pump and coolentthe pump was $55 labor and coolent $205 jake did a wonderful job
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1988 olsmobile
Amount: $110.00
Posted by: Big willie in Lebanon, IN.Posted: March 13th, 2016 12:03PM
Hours of Labor: 5
Replaced my alternator and water pump as well as the belt. Saved probably around 400 or more for labor.
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2005 Toyota Corolla
Amount: $360.00
Posted by: VJinConcord in Concord, CA.Posted: February 4th, 2016 11:02AM
Mechanic: Advanced Auto ServicesBrand:
Hours of Labor: 1.5
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.
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Water pump, thermostat, oil change
Amount: $863.00
Posted by: Shaneshane in Cincinnati, OH.Posted: January 28th, 2016 05:01PM
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2002 Chevy Blazer - Water Pump Replaced
Amount: $634.00
Posted by: LMD in Houston, TX.Posted: January 22nd, 2016 03:01PM
Hours of Labor: 3.5
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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2002 Trailblazer
Amount: $435.00
Posted by: Ralondia in Grand Blanc, MI.Posted: December 2nd, 2015 09:12PM
Hours of Labor: 2
Water pump, fan clutch
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2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Amount: $311.49
Posted by: Wizzar in Harborcreek, PA.Posted: December 1st, 2015 10:12PM
Hours of Labor: 2.5
Golden :)
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2006 Ford Explorer XLT V6
Amount: $560.00
Posted by: Somewhere in the sticks in Calaveras County, CA.Posted: November 9th, 2015 11:11AM
Water pump, thermostat and hoses
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replace water pump
Amount: $2,300.00
Posted by: a user in ocala, FL.Posted: October 14th, 2015 11:10AM
Mechanic: masterBrand: toyota highlander
Hours of Labor: dont know
took our highlander to a toyota dealer have oil change, said i needed a water pump because it had oil all over it, no water leaks,,cost me $2300.00 ,,
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2004 Chevy Trailblazer Ext 4x4
Amount: $785.00
Posted by: a user in Port Charlotte, FL.Posted: October 2nd, 2015 01:10PM
Mechanic: Brand: napa parts/shop
Hours of Labor: 4
Water pump, thermostat, housing, serpentine belt. Four hours of work. Hope I didn't get screwed...definitely paid the high end
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Timing belt replaced/ water pump
Amount: $65.00
Posted by: Ramon Herrera in Milwaukie, OR.Posted: June 11th, 2015 11:06PM
Hours of Labor: 16
My water pump had cracked while driving home one night. When I tried to put water into the radiator to prevent over heating' it just poured from the water pump. Decided to repair it myself not only to save money but to be able to do it without needing anyone. Took so long but was totally worth it.
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1995 Ford Mustang (6cyl)
Amount: $277.32
Posted by: Burg' Dude in Miamisburg, OH.Posted: May 20th, 2015 09:05AM
Mechanic: MikeBrand:
Included
New water pump and gaskets
Bypass hose and clamps
Radiator Cap
1.5 gal coolant
Road test
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Water Pump and Thermostat Replacement
Amount: $463.00
Posted by: RuthM in Milford, NH.Posted: April 11th, 2015 09:04AM
Mechanic: Brand: 2008 Jeep Commander
I had this done in April of 2015. I had no heat and had to add antifreeze. They replaced water pump and decided thermostat needed replacement also. Was satisfied with whole transaction.
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2004 chevrolet silverado 3/4 ton 115,000 miles
Amount: $165.00
Posted by: chrisb in Mansfield, TX.Posted: April 9th, 2015 04:04AM
Mechanic: myselfBrand: orielly
Hours of Labor: 3
when replacing a water pump its a good idea to not only replace the pump itself. The belts and the thermostat should be replaced also while everything is taken apart. belts and thermostat could lead to same problems again. I bought a new pump, thermostat, 2 belts, 3 gallons of antifreeze and some rtv all for 165.00
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2003 Honda Accord
Amount: $350.00
Posted by: Danaya in Sugar Land, TX.Posted: April 2nd, 2015 10:04AM
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serp belt and water pump
Amount: $655.00
Posted by: some guy in Milwaukee, WI.Posted: February 12th, 2015 09:02AM
Hours of Labor: 4
2004 ford tauras
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98 Saturn SL2
Amount: $255.00
Posted by: lemonbeth32 in Anderson, IN.Posted: January 31st, 2015 05:01AM
Hours of Labor: 3 1/2
Local guy here in town. Even did an oil change, but antifreeze in it, and for $40 more put a used tire on it.
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1999 Jeep Cherokee Classic
Amount: $280.00
Posted by: Love my Jeep in Bridgeport, CT.Posted: January 13th, 2015 03:01PM
Mechanic: Brand: Napa Brand
Hours of Labor: 1 day
I bought the pump separately for $40 and had a mechanic install it for $240 (boyfriend got the hook up for me). The only reason it took a day is because I dropped it off the night before and picked it up the next evening.
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2008 Mazda Mazda3
Amount: $479.00
Posted by: a user in WRJ, VT.Posted: February 24th, 2014 07:02AM
Hours of Labor: 3-4
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2003 Hyundai sante fe
Amount: $794.00
Posted by: Mowry in Pittsburgh, PA.Posted: March 27th, 2013 06:03PM
Hours of Labor: 6
Serpentine belt and water pump shop work how much should it cost?
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External Resources:
  1.  www.northernautoparts.com/ProductModelDetail.cfm?InventoryId=624371
  2.  www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/BMW/528i/Beck_Arnley/Water_Pump/2000/Base/6_Cyl_2-d...
  3.  www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/water-pump.php
  4.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop.aspx
  5.  www.bbb.org/en/us/search
  6.  www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?N=0&Nr=AND(year:2000,make:BMW,model:528i,submod...
  7.  www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Result.aspx?Ntt=water+pump&Ntk=Keyword&Nty=1&Dn=0&D=wat...
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