Facts and figures: a working water pump only needs to be replaced after 60,000-100,000 miles , so if you have your car for less than 10 years, you may never have to worry about it. That being said, if you purchase your car used, it is a good idea to find out if the water pump has been replaced.
How long do water pumps usually last?
The average lifespan of a water pump is similar to the lifespan of a timing belt. They usually last 60,000 to 90,000 miles with the proper care. However, some cheaper water pumps may begin leaking at as low as 30,000 miles.
What are the signs of a bad water pump?
- Overheating. A dead or dying water pump cannot circulate coolant through your vehicle’s engine and, as such, the engine will overheat. ...
- Coolant Leaks. Coolant leaks from the water pump are common and a clear sign that it’s time to replace the pump. ...
- Corroded Water Pump. ...
- Whining Noises.
What makes your water pump go bad?
Contaminated coolant, non-compatible coolant, or mixing coolants of different chemistries leads to premature water pump failure. Harmful contamination is common in systems that are not properly maintained. ... The coolant should be entirely replaced with the correct vehicle manufacturer’s recommended coolant.
Can a water pump go bad and not leak?
As you note in the signs, we indicated above, and the water pump can go bad without a coolant leak . For instance, the water pump deteriorates when the seals break apart, and you can see that or by looking for holes on the dry side of your water pump.
How much should it cost to fix 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.
Can I drive with a broken water pump?
Water pumps don’t “break” and start leaking; they have things called “weep holes”, so that when the bearings are starting to wear down, it will slowly start to drip, that way you know its time to replace it. If that is all that is happening, you’re fine to drive it for a week or so .
What noise does a bad water pump make?
Whining or Groaning Noise
A whining or groaning noise usually means that either a drive belt is loose, or the water pump pulley is bad. It may surprise your customer that a pulley could fail. It does occasionally happen.
Will a car start with a bad water pump?
A broken water pump is a serious problem, that can cause overheating and serious engine damage, but will rarely ever affect the vehicle’s starting ability . ... A weak or bad battery may not provide enough cranking power to successfully turn over the engine, and may result in a no start no crank condition.
Will car overheat if water pump is bad?
The water pump cycles coolant from the radiator throughout the engine, absorbing the heat and wicking it away into the atmosphere. When water pumps go bad, it causes your engine to overheat —and that leads to all sorts of trouble.
Will water pump leak if engine is off?
This is true sometimes, especially when there is a complete failure of a component such as the water pump or a burst hose. It is in fact more likely for coolant to leak from the engine when it’s turned off when the vehicle is parked .
Can you replace a water pump yourself?
The location of the water pump in relation to the engine can vary by application. Whether you can replace it yourself depends on how much experience you have. ... 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.
How many labor hours does it take to replace a water pump?
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.
What happens when water pump goes out while driving?
If the water pump in your car fails, the motive force for the coolant quickly goes away allowing the water in the engine to heat up very quickly and your engine to overheat, possibly causing damage. ... If this happens to you, quickly pull over and shut down your engine.
Can a bad water pump make check engine light come on?
There is a way or you to be able to tell that your water pump is bad. Will your bad water pump cause the check engine light to come on? ... Check Engine Light – A water pump itself will not cause the check engine light to come on. The reason that your check engine light comes on is that the water pump affects your engine.
