Water Pump Replacement

SKU 25112 Category

Water Pump Replacement

What is a water pump and how does it work?

The water pump is a belt or chain-driven engine accessory bolted to the engine above the crankshaft pulley. The pump housing has an impeller that circulates engine coolant through the cooling system passageways in the engine block and cylinder head, onto the radiator, where the coolant temperature is reduced. . The lower temperature coolant then flows back to the water inlet on the engine and the water pump continues the cycle.

When to consider replacing the water pump:

  • Coolant leaks or overheating. A bearing supports the water pump impeller shaft. Eventually, the bearing or seal can wear and leak or damage the impeller. Many water pumps have weep holes near the pump bearing. If you see significant leakage from that weep hole, it is time to replace the pump.
  • Bearing roughness or noise. If the water pump shaft does not turn smoothly or the pump is noisy, the bearing is excessively worn. Pump replacement will be necessary.
  • Timing belt replacement. In engines where the timing belt drives the water pump, it is a good idea to replace the water pump at the same time the timing belt is replaced. The extensive work explains why it is always recommended to replace the water pump whenever the mechanic already has these components removed for regularly scheduled timing belt replacement.

How do mechanics replace the water pump?

  • The water pump is usually bolted to the front of the engine. The replacement procedure will vary depending on whether the pump is driven by the timing belt, the serpentine belt, or the chain.
  • On a cold engine, the engine coolant is drained to a level below the water pump.
  • Components that require removing to access the water pump are removed, including the belt or chain that directly drive the pump.
  • The bolts holding the pump to the engine are removed and the pump is pulled out.
  • The gasket surface must be cleaned and the pump mounting surface inspected. A new gasket, rubber seal, or RTV sealant, as required, is installed and then the new pump. The bolts are torqued in sequence using a calibrated inch-pound torque wrench.
  • For applications where the timing belt drives the water pump, the timing belt must be removed. Typically, this requires removal of the crankshaft pulley, timing belt covers, and timing belt tensioner. Once the new pump is installed, new coolant is added back while bleeding the cooling system of any air. The engine is then run and brought to normal operating temperature to check for leaks and ensure normal operating temperature.

Is it safe to drive with a water pump problem?

No. Should the water pump only leak a little bit, you can drive the car. However, a small leak could suddenly enlarge or the pump bearing might unexpectedly seize. Either circumstance would likely cause engine overheating. If a defective water pump causes the overheating, it is not safe to drive because of the damage to the engine.

When replacing the water pump keep in mind:

  • It is best to install a new cooling system thermostat when you install a new water pump, especially if the thermostat is old or original.
  • Completely flushing the cooling system is a good idea when you replace the water pump. Flushing can be done before or after pump replacement.
  • The rest of the cooling system should be inspected too, particularly rubber hoses with a limited lifetime.

Description

Water Pump Replacement

What is a water pump and how does it work?

The water pump is a belt or chain-driven engine accessory bolted to the engine above the crankshaft pulley. The pump housing has an impeller that circulates engine coolant through the cooling system passageways in the engine block and cylinder head, onto the radiator, where the coolant temperature is reduced. . The lower temperature coolant then flows back to the water inlet on the engine and the water pump continues the cycle.

When to consider replacing the water pump:

  • Coolant leaks or overheating. A bearing supports the water pump impeller shaft. Eventually, the bearing or seal can wear and leak or damage the impeller. Many water pumps have weep holes near the pump bearing. If you see significant leakage from that weep hole, it is time to replace the pump.
  • Bearing roughness or noise. If the water pump shaft does not turn smoothly or the pump is noisy, the bearing is excessively worn. Pump replacement will be necessary.
  • Timing belt replacement. In engines where the timing belt drives the water pump, it is a good idea to replace the water pump at the same time the timing belt is replaced. The extensive work explains why it is always recommended to replace the water pump whenever the mechanic already has these components removed for regularly scheduled timing belt replacement.

How do mechanics replace the water pump?

  • The water pump is usually bolted to the front of the engine. The replacement procedure will vary depending on whether the pump is driven by the timing belt, the serpentine belt, or the chain.
  • On a cold engine, the engine coolant is drained to a level below the water pump.
  • Components that require removing to access the water pump are removed, including the belt or chain that directly drive the pump.
  • The bolts holding the pump to the engine are removed and the pump is pulled out.
  • The gasket surface must be cleaned and the pump mounting surface inspected. A new gasket, rubber seal, or RTV sealant, as required, is installed and then the new pump. The bolts are torqued in sequence using a calibrated inch-pound torque wrench.
  • For applications where the timing belt drives the water pump, the timing belt must be removed. Typically, this requires removal of the crankshaft pulley, timing belt covers, and timing belt tensioner. Once the new pump is installed, new coolant is added back while bleeding the cooling system of any air. The engine is then run and brought to normal operating temperature to check for leaks and ensure normal operating temperature.

Is it safe to drive with a water pump problem?

No. Should the water pump only leak a little bit, you can drive the car. However, a small leak could suddenly enlarge or the pump bearing might unexpectedly seize. Either circumstance would likely cause engine overheating. If a defective water pump causes the overheating, it is not safe to drive because of the damage to the engine.

When replacing the water pump keep in mind:

  • It is best to install a new cooling system thermostat when you install a new water pump, especially if the thermostat is old or original.
  • Completely flushing the cooling system is a good idea when you replace the water pump. Flushing can be done before or after pump replacement.
  • The rest of the cooling system should be inspected too, particularly rubber hoses with a limited lifetime.

view our available expert Mobile Mechanics

What our customers have to say about Fixxr

Knowledgable

Test came on time and and was really quick with servicing my BMW and even went the extra mile to inform me that my brakes needed to be replaced. very friendly and knowledgeable. would definitely trust his work again
Gerald Beckett
14 May 2025

Repair

Norman is excellent as always and resolved the problem quickly and efficiently
Yvonne Butler
13 May 2025

Excellent Service by Tony Da Silva

Tony was assigned to my rescue when my vehicle was not starting in the morning. Initially our appointment was scheduled at 16:30 through our communication during the day we both agreed that he can come at anytime once he has done with his other duties. He arrived an hour early at 15:30. As pro he immediately diagnosed the problem of my vehicle. The problem has been sorted now and the car is able to start smoothly. His level of professionalism and customer oriented is out of this world. Keep up with the good work Tony and Thank you.
Khaya Mnyandu
12 April 2025

Wonderful service

Thank you for the the wonderful service
Jean Dovey
9 April 2025

Satisfied customer

Thank you so much Tony for your excellent service and professionalism. I would recommend your service to others
Thamaga Malatji
6 April 2025

Flipping brilliant!

Flipping brilliant!
Ria Smit
14 April 2025

Great Service!

Fantastic service with honest feedback throughout the process. I’m going back to Tony for all my services/repairs.
Tertius Bergh
23 April 2025

Oliver Maphosa arrived on time and went all out to fix the problem my car was experiencing.

Oliver Maphosa arrived on time and went all out to fix the problem my car was experiencing. Highly recommended. Thank you
Michele G
5 March 2025

Takunda

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for getting my vehicle back on the road! I really appreciate all the hard work and effort you put in to complete everything on time. You all did an amazing job!
Constantine Mecuur
10 March 2025

Other Fixxr Offerings

Price Match Guarentee

We will match and beat any competitors quote.

Service & Maintenance Plans

Keep your  car in top shape all year round without the stress of large upfront payments!

FLeet repair & maintenance

Your fleet is an asset and a money-maker. We offer services for commercial and personal fleets, keeping your wheels on the road.

Not Ready to Book? Request a quote Instead

Not Seeing the Right Option? Tell Us What’s Going On