Water Pump Replacement Cost
If the pump is driven by the timing belt, replace the belt, tensioner, and thermostat at the same time — opening it twice is wasted labor.
Fair total cost
$360–$1,280
Parts
$120–$380
Labor time
2–5 hrs
Shop rate
$120–$180/hr
Common symptoms
- Coolant leak from the front of the engine
- Whining noise that changes with RPM
- Overheating at idle
What a fair quote includes
- New pump with gasket/O-ring
- Fresh coolant (correct spec)
- System bleed to remove air pockets
Red flags to watch for
- Timing-belt-driven pump quote that doesn't include the belt
- Generic green coolant used in a vehicle requiring OAT/HOAT
FAQs
Should the thermostat be replaced too?
Yes if the system is already open — thermostats are cheap and a failure forces the same labor again.
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