A working water pump is vital for the engine; if the water pump is not running, the engine will overheat and stop working, and a water pump replacement will be neeeded.
The water pump is attached directly to the engine block and operates by centrifugal force. If the water pump isn’t working, the coolant will remain stagnant, and the engine will overheat. A modern car engine can withstand slight overheating, but severe overheating can damage it. For the coolant to work properly, it must constantly flow through the engine. Making it work is the job of your car’s water pump.
Water pump replacement: Signs
There are a signs of a bad water pump that may indicate your vehicle’s water pump is not functioning properly:
- Leaks: One of the first signs is a coolant leak. The water pump has a drain (weep) hole at the bottom. A small amount of dry coolant residue leakage around the drain is average, but coolant leaking from the drain signifies that the pump is out of order and needs to replace. Car and spare parts manufacturers provide instructions for mechanics about when a water pump is considered to be faulty and needs to be replaced.
- Inconsistent temperature sensor reading: A fully functional cooling system will keep the temperature sensor or gauge within normal limits at all times. However, a faulty or wrong water pump can cause the temperature gauge needle to fluctuate from normal to hot and vice versa.
- Noises: In some cars or vehicles, a faulty water pump can cause a rattling or grinding noise, sometimes intermittent. In such cases, the mechanic will need to identify the noise source before shutting off the water pump. For instance, a mechanic may find that the water pump shaft is loose, which means the pump is faulty.
- Excessive coolant temperature: The most obvious sign of a bad water pump is engine overheating. This is usually indicated by the engine temperature warning light (or wavy line icon) or elevated engine temperature signals on the dashboard.
Keep learning: Car temperature: Key aspect in a vehicle’s performance
How to replace a water pump and how much it costs
Before carrying out the water pump car replacement, be sure to check the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations before replacing any water pump. Each motor design may have its own belt drive system configuration, so follow all specific instructions. Follow these simple steps to replace the water pump of your car:
- Start with a completely cooled engine, then disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Drain the coolant into the sump by loosening the tap at the bottom of the radiator.
- Replacement pumps are usually supplied with gaskets required for operation. Refer to your repair manual and get to know the location and type of the pump before starting work.
- The water pump is sometimes well hidden under the exhaust manifold. Your vehicle repair manual tells you which components you need to remove to get to the water pump. On some engines, it may be necessary to remove the shroud, radiator, and hoses to access the water pump. You may also need to remove the harmonic balancer, pulleys and fans, which needs a special puller.
- Remove the old water pump. When removing, pay attention to the length of the bolts, as they may not be the same.
- Before reassembling, make sure all is clean and free of old gasket material and water pump glue. If the mating surfaces are dirty, coolant leaks may occur.
- Check the water pump installation and visualize the assembly before proceeding.
- Use silicone RTV water pump gasket if recommended in the repair manual. Take your time with this step, as improper execution can lead to leaks. Use a putty knife or gasket scraper and carefully prepare the veneer surface before proceeding. You don’t want to have a badly installed gasket and have to redo the job to fix any leaks.
- Install a new pump. Refer to your manufacturer manual for the correct reinstallation sequence. Tighten all bolts to specification.
- Reinstall any removed components. Refer to your manufacturer manual for the correct way to fill the coolant and coolant mixture. Be sure to vent the system to remove any air pockets that could cause malfunction and overheat.
How much should a water pump and belt replacement cost?
It is impossible to name the exact cost of the water pump car replacement and the belt replacement. This depends a lot on your make and model of car, as well as the garage you choose to work in. Need a replacement water pump and belt? Get quotes from the best manufacturer in your area today, such as Dolz. All you have to do is give us your registration number and some information about your car, and we will do the rest.
Dolz, the help you need for water pumps
Choosing your vehicle water pump manufacturer is quite tricky. Because it is one of the main parts of your car or truck, having good quality replacement parts can provide several benefits. You should choose a reputable manufacturer because the parts are the right fit for your vehicle and come with OE specifications and the guarantees and quality they can offer you. Thus, quality spare parts and proper maintenance can improve safety and productivity.
Related post: Discovering the main water pump components
Dolz is a car water pump giant serving customers with over 90 years of experience in the water pump manufacturing industry. Over the years, the company has successfully fought off the competition by creating some of the most reliable and durable water pumps available. Dolz water pumps are ISO 9001 certified, which means there is no compromise on quality, peace of mind and customer satisfaction. Dolz manufactures a wide range of water pumps for cars and trucks, we have something for everyone. Get your best car water pump from Dolz and enjoy no worries driving! Contact us if you need further information.