A water pump is a vital part of your car, truck, or SUV’s cooling system. Its primary purpose is to continually circulate coolant from the radiator to the vehicle’s engine block to prevent overheating. Modern water pumps are much more robust, but there is still a chance it could fail after many years or miles. Typically, a bearing on the pump may go bad, or the pump develops a leak, which can cause serious damage to the vehicle’s engine if not attended to. Luckily, there are ways to know that your water pump may be failing in advance.
A vehicle’s water pump is a belt-driven pump that derives its power from the engine’s crankshaft. Designed as a centrifuge, the water pump draws the cooled fluid through the pump’s center inlet from the radiator. It then circulates the fluid outward into the engine and back into the car’s cooling system.
While not in widespread use, electric water pumps are showing up in many modern vehicles, including various Toyota and Lexus Hybrid models, some Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen models, and several cars from BMW. These pumps receive energy from the vehicle’s electrical system rather than an engine-driven pulley system.
It could be a simple or difficult job, but that depends on the vehicle and where the water pump is located. It’s a job usually best left for professional mechanics. The water pump may be hidden under other components and may require special tools depending on the vehicle design. It’s a repair that can take two to three hours.
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. These estimates do not include taxes or shop materials, and disposal fees. Kelley Blue Book’s Service & Repair Guide will show you water pump replacement pricing for your specific car, plus show you nearby choices for a local auto shop if you’re ready to make an appointment.
