Water Pump
Shop Cost
~$800
DIY Parts
~$100
You Save
~$700
Tools needed (one-time, if you don't own them)~$185
Tools Required (7)
Socket set
Wrench set
Scraper
Drain pan
Torque wrench
Serpentine belt tool
RTV sealant
Parts & Consumables
Water pumpGasketCoolant
Pro Tip If timing-belt-driven, do both at once.
🚗 Vehicle-Specific Notes
Honda
Timing belt driven on V6 and older 4-cyl. Do timing belt at same time.
Toyota
4-cyl: serpentine belt driven, accessible. V6: timing belt driven, bigger job.
Subaru
Timing belt driven on EJ engines. Always do water pump with timing belt.
BMW
Electric water pump on N52/N55. Bolted to block. Electrical connector. Easier than belt-driven.
Extra tools: E12 external Torx
Ford
Ecoboost: chain-driven, internal. Major job. Older V8: external, easier.
❓ Common Questions
What tools do I need for a water pump?
You need 7 tools: Socket set, Wrench set, Scraper, Drain pan, Torque wrench, Serpentine belt tool, RTV sealant. Parts required: Water pump, Gasket, Coolant.
How much does a water pump cost DIY vs shop?
A shop charges approximately $800. Doing it yourself costs about $100 in parts, saving you $700.
How hard is a water pump to do yourself?
Rated Advanced (4/5 difficulty). Typically takes 3-6 hrs. If timing-belt-driven, do both at once.
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