Water Pump Replacement
Also called water body change
The water pump pushes coolant around the engine and radiator, driven by the timing belt or an auxiliary belt. It fails by leaking at the shaft seal, by the bearing becoming noisy, or by the impeller corroding so circulation drops and the engine overheats. Where the pump is driven by the timing belt, the belt is replaced at the same time because the labour overlaps almost completely and a second strip-down is wasted money.
What the job includes
- Confirmation that the pump is leaking or seized, not another component
- Coolant drain and removal of covers and belts as required
- Water pump replacement with a new gasket or seal
- Timing belt, tensioner and idlers replaced where the pump is belt driven
- Thermostat inspection while the system is drained
- Refill, bleed and running test to full temperature
Signs you need this
- Coolant dripping from behind a pulley or the timing cover
- Whining or rumbling noise that changes with engine speed
- Engine overheats although the radiator and fan are fine
- Crusty coolant stains around the pump housing
- Heater blows cold while the temperature gauge reads high
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
How we do it
Confirm the source
The leak is traced with pressure testing, because a weep from a hose can look identical from below.
Strip the front
Coolant is drained and belts, covers and pulleys are removed to reach the pump mounting face.
Replace the pump together
Pump, gasket and, on belt-driven designs, the timing belt and tensioner are replaced in one operation.
Refill and test
The system is refilled, bled and run to temperature while the fan, level and joints are watched.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book water pump replacement
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
Before you book
Questions we get asked
If your question is not here, ask it. We would rather answer honestly now than have you find out after booking.