Parts List
- Coolant (of the correct type)
- Hose clamps
- Water pump
- Timing belt kit (if applicable)
- Timing chain kit (if applicable)
- Sealant or gasket
What tools do you need to replace a water pump?
To replace a water pump, you need sockets, wrenches, a screwdriver and pliers, according to NAPA Auto Parts. You also need a drain pan, rags, gasket sealer, antifreeze, and the right water pump and gasket. Substituting tools can compromise your safety and the performance of your vehicle.
When to replace the water pump in a car?
In some cases a water pump is replaced as a precaution; for example, when changing the timing belt, or when it's suspected to cause overheating or in cars that are known for water pump failures. In an average car a water pump lasts for 100,000-150,000 miles, although it can fail prematurely. What are the signs of a failing water pump?
How much does it cost to replace a water pump?
The average price to replace a water pump in a 4-cylinder engine is between $350 and $570. In an average car or SUV with a V6 engine it will cost from $680 to $1,100 parts and labor if the water pump is mounted on the outside. In some cars, the water pump is installed inside the engine.
How do you replace a water pump gasket on a car?
Use a plastic gasket scraper (or a plastic razor blade) to remove all of the old gasket material from the engine. Then use brake cleaner and a clean rag to finish cleaning the water pump’s mating surface. Mount the new gasket or seal in place on the water pump.
What do you need when replacing water pump?
TO CHANGE YOUR WATER PUMP YOU WILL NEED:Sockets and wrenches.Screwdriver.Pliers.Drain pan.Rags.Gasket sealer.Antifreeze.
When replacing a water pump What else should you replace?
So when the water pump must be replaced, it is a good idea to go ahead and also replace the timing belt, timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys.
Can I change my water pump myself?
The more complex the engine, the higher the level of difficulty for pump replacement. However, a person who easily figures out how to do things can usually replace a water pump that is on the front of the engine, without any mechanical experience.
Should you replace thermostat when replacing water pump?
The answer is absolutely because the thermostat itself can be damaged if there is an episode of overheating and, of course, a water pump failure is often associated with overheating.
How many labor hours does it take to replace a water pump?
Fixing a broken water pump can take anywhere from two hours to most of a day. A simple replacement should take around two hours, but more complicated work trying to fix a water pump (which will save you money on parts) can take four or more hours.
How long does a water pump take to replace?
How long does it take to replace a water pump? Replacing a water pump can be a steady half-day's work. A simple and straightforward switch might only take 2 hours, but some of the more complicated could take even the most competent mechanic a full day. We'd suggest between 2 and 4 hours for the majority.
How much does it usually cost to replace a water pump?
The average water pump replacement cost is $550, with prices ranging from $461 to $638 in the US in 2020. But typically depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the auto repair shop you take it to. Labor costs are between $256 and $324 while parts cost between $205 and $314. Estimate doesn't include fees and taxes.
How much should it cost to have a water pump replaced?
between $450 and $650Typically, a car water pump replacement costs between $450 and $650. $600 might be slightly on the higher end of that scale, but it's still well within the normal range of prices for that service.
Do you have to drain the radiator to change a water pump?
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.
How does a bad water pump affect a car?
A dead or dying water pump cannot circulate coolant through your vehicle's engine and, as such, the engine will overheat. The hotter the engine gets the greater the chance of serious damage, including a cracked engine block and damage to the cylinders, pistons, and head gasket.
How do I know if water pump is bad?
6 signs your water pump is failing Coolant Leak. The water pump has several gaskets that can be damaged or worn out over time. ... Engine Overheating. ... High Pitched, Harmonic Whining Noises. ... Water Pump Rust and Corrosion. ... Steam comes out from under your hood. ... Holes or leakage system on the dry side of the water pump.
Do you have to put sealant on water pump?
You don't need sealer on the pump gasket if you already put the sealer onto the pump. The gasket is good enough on the engine, you don't need to put sealer on that. It's a good idea to put it on the pump. Then it stays in place and doesn't move.
How do I know if my water pump is bad?
6 Signs You May Have a Bad Water Pump On Your HandsUnhealthy Circulation. The water pump moves coolant through the radiator and around the engine to dissipate heat buildup. ... Leakage. ... Ick. ... Noise. ... Overheating. ... Steam.
What are the symptoms of a bad water pump in a car?
6 signs your water pump is failing Coolant Leak. The water pump has several gaskets that can be damaged or worn out over time. ... Engine Overheating. ... High Pitched, Harmonic Whining Noises. ... Water Pump Rust and Corrosion. ... Steam comes out from under your hood. ... Holes or leakage system on the dry side of the water pump.
Can I just replace the water pump gasket?
Water pump failure can quickly cause an engine to overheat, resulting in catastrophic damage. Sometimes a water pump gasket will start leaking, which causes people to wonder if they can replace just the gasket. The answer is no, and it has to do with why water pumps leak.
What happens when water pump goes out while driving?
If the water pump goes out while driving, your car will overheat almost immediately. Without a functional water pump, your vehicle has no way to push coolant into the engine.
What tools do I need to replace a water pump?
What Tools Will I Need to Replace My Water Pump? To replace a water pump, you need sockets, wrenches, a screwdriver and pliers, according to NAPA Auto Parts. You also need a drain pan, rags, gasket sealer, antifreeze, and the right water pump and gasket. Substituting tools can compromise your safety and the performance of your vehicle.
How to replace water pump in NAPA?
Clean the engine’s mounting service before installing the new water pump, and insert a new gasket and gasket sealer between the mounting service and pump, instructs NAPA Auto Parts. Reconnect all of the parts and accessories in the reverse order that you removed them. Don’t forget to adjust the belts to the proper tension and fill the system with a mixture of half antifreeze and half water. When finished, reconnect the battery ground cable and start the vehicle to check for any leaks.
Can you replace tools in a car?
Substituting tools can compromise your safety and the performance of your vehicle. Gather all of the necessary tools, parts and products before beginning the job, advises NAPA Auto Parts. Let the engine cool before disconnecting the battery ground and draining the cooling system.
How to tell if water pump is bad?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle may be experiencing a water pump failure: 1 Low coolant level in the reservoir (visually inspect the whole cooling system if this is the case) 2 A gravelly, growling sound from the engine area 3 A whining that changes pitch with engine speed 4 Coolant leaking from the pump, either slowly and creating a crusty buildup around the pump, or quickly, resulting in a drip.
Where is the water pump located on a car?
The water pump is sometimes well hidden beneath the exhaust manifold. Your vehicle’s repair manual will tell you which components you'll need to remove to get to the water pump.
What does it mean when your water pump is leaking?
A gravelly, growling sound from the engine area. A whining that changes pitch with engine speed. Coolant leaking from the pump, either slowly and creating a crusty buildup around the pump, or quickly, resulting in a drip. Note: Automotive water pump replacement can be an average job or a long, involved project, depending on your vehicle.
How to drain coolant from radiator?
Drain your coolant into a catch pan by loosening the petcock on the bottom of the radiator. Replacement pumps usually come with the gaskets needed for the job. Refer to your repair manual and familiarize yourself with the pump type and location before beginning.
How much does it cost to replace a water pump in a 4 cylinder engine?
Advertisement. The average price to replace a water pump in a 4-cylinder engine is between $350 and $570. In an average car or SUV with a V6 engine it will cost from $680 to $1,100 parts and labor if the water pump is mounted on the outside. In some cars, the water pump is installed inside the engine.
How long does a water pump last?
In an average car a water pump lasts for 100,000-150,000 miles, although it can fail prematurely.
What are the signs of a failing water pump?
Leaks: One of the early signs is a coolant leak from the water pump. The water pump has a weep (bleed) hole in the lower portion; see the photo. A small amount of dry coolant residue around the weep hole is normal, but coolant leaking from the weep hole is a sign that the pump is on its way.
What happens if a water pump impeller is damaged?
In either case, if the water pump impeller is damaged, the flow of coolant will be reduced or stopped completely and the engine will overheat. The heating system inside the car might also stop providing heat, as it relies on coolant flow.
Why is it called a water pump?
It's called a water pump because in the early days of automobiles engine cooling systems were filled with water. Modern cars use a special fluid called antifreeze or coolant .
What does coolant look like on a pump?
Often, leaking coolant is splashed by a drive belt, and it looks like a whitish residue around the drive belt and surrounding area.
What happens if a water pump doesn't work?
A working water pump is vital for the engine; if the water pump doesn't work, the engine will overheat. A modern car engine can survive mild overheating, but severe overheating can damage it. When does the water pump need to be replaced? The water pump doesn't need to be changed in regular mileage intervals.
How to tell if water pump is broken?
Signs of a Broken Water Pump 1 A whining sound that changes pitch when the car changes speed 2 A grinding sound coming from the car's engine area 3 Coolant leaking from the water pump, or coolant leaks from other parts of the cooling system 4 Recurring overheating issues#N#A water pump replacement is not the kind of auto repair you can DIY. So if you notice any of these signs, it's important to have a Wrench mobile mechanic look at your car. Luckily, booking an appointment is super quick and easy.
Why do Water Pumps Break?
However, some cheaper water pumps may begin leaking at as low as 30,000 miles. In order to take good care of your water pump, we recommend making sure you change your coolant regularly. Dirty coolant can contribute to a shortened lifespan of your car's water pump.
Do you have to replace a water pump?
Some people may never have to replace their water pump because it isn't very common to find on maintenance checklists. However, your car's water pump may not last forever and can break. If this happens, it is crucial that you get it replaced as soon as possible in order to prevent your car from receiving much greater damage.
Why is a water pump important?
Your car's water pump is an important part of your vehicle. It is the part that continually pumps coolant to your vehicle's engine so that it doesn't overheat. A leak or a faulty bearing can cause serious damage to your car's engine. Puddles of coolant underneath your vehicle or high temperature readings may be signs that your water pump needs ...
How to tell if water pump bearing is bad?
Listen to your car. Start your car's engine with the hood up. If you hear a low-pitched grinding noise, it may indicate that your water pump bearing is going bad. You can often hear it plainly if it's gone bad. You also have similar bearings in your AC compressor, power steering pump, and alternator, so you need to be able to focus on the exact source of the sound, often difficult on a running engine.
Why do you need to let coolant cool down before adding water?
If your coolant is low and car is or has just been running, let it cool down before adding water or coolant. If the engine is hot, adding cool water can crack the engine block because of the drastic difference in temperature, turning your minor expense into a huge expense.
How to check if water pump pulley is loose?
Check the water pump pulley. Find the round part at the front of your water pump that the belt is around. Attempt to rock the pulley back and forth. If it seems to be loose, it may be time to replace it, because the bearing is going bad.
Why does my car have a puddle of water?
A puddle of water found beneath your car on a hot day may not indicate a water pump or coolant system problem. When your air conditioning system runs in your car, condensation occurs. This condensation leaks out beneath your car and is perfectly normal.
