The water pump circulates coolant through your engine. When it fails, your engine overheats — potentially causing thousands in damage. The repair itself is moderate, but labor varies widely based on accessibility.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Water pump (aftermarket) | $50–$200 |
| Water pump (OEM) | $100–$400 |
| Thermostat (often replaced together) | $15–$60 |
| Coolant | $15–$40 |
| Labor (2-5 hours) | $200–$800 |
| Total installed | $400–$1,200 |
The Timing Belt Bundle
On many vehicles, the water pump is driven by and located behind the timing belt. If your car is due for a timing belt replacement (every 60,000-100,000 miles), always replace the water pump at the same time. The pump adds only $50-$200 in parts since the labor to access it is already being done. Skipping it means paying $400-$800 in labor again if the pump fails later.
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