2012 dodge ram 1500 water pump replacement cost

2012 dodge ram 1500 water pump replacement cost

The average water pump replacement cost is $550, with prices ranging from $461 to $638 in the US in 2020. But typically depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the auto repair shop you take it to. Labor costs are between $256 and $324 while parts cost between $205 and $314. Estimate doesn’t include fees and taxes.

Low – $461

Average – $550

High – $638

Timing Belt Replacement Cost

$554 – $689

Timing Chain and Gear Set Replacement Cost

$805 – $963

What is a water pump?

The water pump distributes coolant across the engine’s cooling system to assist in preventing the engine from overheating.

How does it work?

The water pump is driven by a belt located at the front of the engine, or by way of the timing chain or timing belt. When the engine is running, this belt rotates and keeps the pump operating.

What are indications associated with a bad water pump?

The 2 most common signs of a failing water pump are noises and leaks.

Leaky water pumps could result in damage to the drive belts and timing belts, causing the overheating of the vehicle’s engine. A failing water pump could be caused by other issues in the vehicle’s cooling system, like a bad or failing thermostat, head gasket, or radiator.

Am I able to drive with water pump problems?

When the water pump isn’t Keeping satisfactory coolant circulation, it will make the engine overheat, resulting in leaks, potential head gasket damage, and in the end a failed engine. If your vehicle starts to overheat, pull to the side of the road and turn the engine off as fast as you safely can. You’ll need to have the vehicle towed to an auto repair facility.

How frequently are water pumps required to be replaced?

This will depend on the model of the vehicle and how the vehicle is driven. The water pump doesn’t wear like tires or ball joints, but ultimately the bearing or impeller inside the water pump may fail.

The average cost for vehicle Water Pump Replacement is around $461 and $638 but can vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Symptoms of a bad water pump

  • Heightened Coolant Temperatures
  • Steam Coming Out of the Radiator
  • Strange Engine Noises
  • Leaking Radiator Fluid
  • Varying Temperature Readings
  • Overheating Engine

Common vehicle water pump replacement costs

  • Ford F-150 – $226 – $288
  • Toyota Camry – $351 – $492
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – $454 – $610
  • Toyota Corolla- $304 – $420
  • Ford Explorer – $229 – $313
  • Ford Escape – $181 – $212

OBD codes associated with water pump replacement

P0A01: : Range/ Performance

Vehicle Water Pump Replacement Service in Glendale, Arizona

We offer water pump replacement if you think your water pump is failing or would like to have your water pump checked, call our team. Sun West Transmissions technicians are highly trained and can perform water pump replacement on any make or model of vehicle you own. Call today to schedule your vehicle Check-up or Repair at (623) 842-0806.

*Disclaimer – These are not actual prices. Your vehicle’s water pump replacement cost might be different than the prices you see in this post. For an actual quote for your water pump replacement, contact us today.

The water pump is a part of the cooling system that rarely gets discussed unless there’s a problem. However, when the time comes to have this pump replaced, your first thought is about the price you might pay. How much does a water pump replacement cost, and is it a job you can perform yourself?

In this guide, we cover the factors that affect the replacement cost. We also discuss the frequency of water pump replacement and signs that it’s time to be performed. At the end of our article, we warn you about the ramifications of not changing out the defective water pump. 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Water Pump?

On average, you might spend between $300 and $750 to have the water pump replaced in your vehicle. However, the cost depends on what type of vehicle you drive and whether you are going to replace the water pump yourself. Parts might be $200 to $350, while the rest is labor. 

Another big factor in water pump replacement cost is the extra parts you have to replace. For example, in many European cars, the water pump is driven by the timing belt, which is usually replaced at the same time as the water pump, and this will increase the water pump replacement cost drastically. In that case you can expect you can pay up to $2,000 or even more for a water pump replacement cost.

Average Replacement Cost by Car Model

These are the average water pump replacement cost per car model and year with the most common engine types. However, you may have a different engine type in your car, which may give you a completely different price.

Car ModelPart CostLabor CostTotal Cost
Ford F-150 $150 $250 $400
Honda CR-V $150 $200 $350
Chevrolet Silverado $350 $200 $550
Ram 1500/2500/3500 $200 $250 $450
Toyota RAV4 $400 $350 $750
Toyota Camry $150 $300 $450

Factors Affecting Water Pump Replacement Cost

To determine a cost for the water pump replacement cost, we need to look at what factors affect the price, and here are the most important factors you should look at.

1. Car Make/Model

Probably the biggest factor affecting the price is the car and engine model you drive. In some cars, replacing the water pump is very easy and can be done in under 30 minutes, while in others it can take many hours and you may have to disassemble almost the entire engine to reach and replace it.

Also, If you have a small engine in your vehicle, there’s probably a smaller water pump installed, so your price won’t be high for the part. On the other hand, the more work the water pump is responsible for, the higher the price is going to be. Additionally, luxury car parts can often cost far more than their budget counterparts. 

2. OEM vs. Aftermarket

If you want the vehicle to continue running as it did from the factory, the OEM water pump is your best option. However, the OEM equipment is usually more expensive than those that are made by aftermarket manufacturers.

With that said, many aftermarket water pumps continue to provide reliable service. Do the research to make the right decision for your vehicle. 

READ MORE: OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts: Differences (& Which is Better?)

3. DIY vs. Professional

If you have some mechanical skills, it might be beneficial for you to replace the water pump on your own. When this is done, you save a lot of money on the labor.

However, if you aren’t equipped to change the water pump, you need to visit a repair shop. The labor charge will depend on where you are located and what kind of vehicle you drive. 

4. Additional Parts Required 

When the water pump is changed, you can’t just buy that single part and assume you have everything you need. At the bare minimum, you will also need to purchase new coolant and a water pump gasket for a proper replacement.

Aside from that, other parts could be damaged at the same time, depending on what has gone wrong with your vehicle. If you need a new serpentine belt, timing belt or pulleys, you can expect a higher repair cost due to the extra parts and labor required. 

As we discussed earlier, some cars also have the water pump driven by the timing belt, and both of these parts are usually replaced at the same time. This will drastically increase the replacement cost, and you could be looking at the cost of a timing belt replacement instead.

How Often Should a Water Pump be Replaced?

A water pump should typically be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but it depends on the engine and car model. However, some car models do not have a scheduled replacement interval for the water pump, and it only needs to be replaced when it fails.

In many modern cars, the water pump is driven by the timing belt and should be replaced at the timing belt replacement interval.

The most common way in older car models is to replace it only when it fails. Some failures exhibit as a minor leak. However, the water pump could cease completely because of a broken bearing or impeller. Either way, the replacement should occur immediately. 

By properly maintaining the cooling system, you help the water pump last as long as possible. With a serpentine belt replacement, coolant flushes and repair to any defective parts, you can help the water pump last as long as possible.

How To Tell If The Water Pump is Failing?

1. Overheating Engine

When the engine overheats, it’s always possible that the water pump has failed. You might first notice the overheating engine because of the warning light that comes on the dashboard. You may also have a temperature gauge that shows the engine is getting hotter than normal.

Another sign of an overheating engine is steam coming from the front of the vehicle. If you see this occurring, it’s best to pull over until you figure out what’s wrong. Because the water pump is necessary for cooling down the engine, any malfunction can cause the motor to run hotter. 

While a water pump could be to blame, so can other defective parts. It could also have to do with contaminated coolant, a bad thermostat or a damaged radiator. Either way, the heat will eventually build up and cause permanent damage to the motor. 

READ MORE: 6 Symptoms of a Bad Water Pump, Function and Location

2. Fluctuating Temperature

When the cooling system is working as it should, the temperature of the engine should remain normal consistently. On the other hand, a water pump that’s going bad can cause unusual fluctuations that gain your attention. If there is a defect, the engine could start to overheat and then level off temporarily. If this is the case, you’ll see the temperature gauge moving up and down.

Again, the water pump isn’t the only part that can be blamed. If the radiator is damaged, the same issues can occur. There could also be an air bubble trapped in the closed system, leading to trouble. Otherwise, a sensor in today’s modern cooling systems can be finicky when damaged. 

READ MORE: Car Temperature Gauge Goes Up and Down – Causes & How to Fix

3. Strange Sounds

When you head down the road, you don’t want to hear any unusual sounds. Yet, when the water pump is going bad, there could be some sounds evident that you don’t normally hear. The engine could start squealing, buzzing or whining in these situations. These noises are also created when there’s a problem with the accessory belt, which can cause damage to the water pump. The accessory belt could exhibit trouble if the bearings are worn out or a pulley is loose.

If the belt is on too tight or too loosely, the same problems can occur. That’s why it’s important to check the specifications of the belt tension to ensure it’s running as it should. With regular inspections and maintenance, you can keep the water pump in optimal operating condition. No matter what is causing the engine noise, it’s important that you have it checked out right away before any permanent damage occurs. 

READ MORE: 7 Engine Noises You Should Not Ignore (& What They Mean)

4. Leaking Fluid

The automotive cooling system is designed to be completely closed. For this reason, you should never see any coolant fluid leaking from the vehicle. If there is a puddle below the car, it’s something to be alarmed about. The color of the fluid varies based on what type of coolant is used, but it’s often green or orange-colored. 

Fluid can leak if a seal or gasket around the water pump wears out. There’s also the chance of the water pump cracking or breaking because of old age and abuse.

You may not even see the leaking fluid if the drips are slow. A slower trickle can land on various automotive parts under the car and harden. In this case, you might only know that there’s a leak because the levels keep dropping, requiring you to add more coolant. Where the coolant leaks, there could be corrosion on the parts as it hardens. 

Additionally, a coolant leak doesn’t automatically mean that there’s a problem with the water pump. The problem could stem from any broken hose, defective radiator or failing seal. Either way, it’s imperative that you have the leak diagnosed immediately. Without the right amount of coolant in the engine, the motor can fail completely, leading to a much higher repair bill. 

Can you drive with a broken water pump?

No, you should not drive a car with a failing or bad water pump, because it’s a serious issue. If the engine hasn’t started to overheat, it won’t be long. Once that happens, you are facing serious engine damage internally that isn’t simple to repair.

The majority of vehicles have a warning light that tells you when the engine is overheating. Once this light comes on, you are out of time. In fact, the engine may have already gotten hot enough to cause damage.

As with any mechanical failure of your vehicle, it’s best to have the problem looked at right away. Yet, when it comes to the cooling system, you have no time to wait. This isn’t a system you want to procrastinate with when it comes to diagnosis and repair.

Once you know something is wrong with the cooling system, it’s best to pull over and figure out what’s happening. The only way you should drive home or to the shop is if you can ensure that the engine won’t overheat. Otherwise, it’s best to have it towed and repaired immediately.

Is replacing a water pump worth it?

Yes, replacing a water pump will ensure that the life of your engine is extended and is in most cases worth it. However, if your car is very old and not worth anything, it may be worth buying a new car instead if it is difficult to replace the water pump on that particular car model.

What makes a water pump go bad?

Water pumps go bad due to age and heat from the engine. Many modern water pumps have a plastic impeller that begins to crack with age and deteriorate. In addition, gaskets and seals can begin to deteriorate and leak due to age.

How long does a water pump take to replace?

A water pump can get replaced in between 1 and 4 hours in most cars. However, in some cars the water pump is driven by the timing belt, which can make the process much longer and more difficult. The time-consuming part is to bleed the cooling system afterwards if you are not used to it.

A Mechanic’s Tips about water pump replacement

  • Always fill your car with a new coolant after a water pump change if you haven’t changed it in a while.
  • If your water pump is driven by the timing belt or timing chain, it may be a good time to replace them at the same time to save future costs.
  • Be sure to bleed the coolant system after replacing the water pump, otherwise your car engine could overheat and get damaged. I recommend using a vacuum coolant. A failed coolant bleeding can result in hot spots in the car’s cooling system, which can result in serious damage to your engine if you’re unlucky.
  • Never start changing the water pump before you are 100% sure that the car’s coolant is cold; otherwise, serious injuries may result as the car’s coolant may reach boiling temperatures

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a wide variety of factors that will affect your final water pump replacement cost. By taking the time to research different options and finding a reputable mechanic, you can ensure that your new water pump will be installed correctly and last for years to come.

I hope you now have the knowledge to determine the water pump replacement cost for your car model and can now decide if you need to replace it.

Learn more:

  • 5 Symptoms of a Bad Car Thermostat (& Replacement Cost)
  • Thermostat Housing – Function, Leak Causes & Replacement Cost
  • Bubbles In Coolant Reservoir – Meaning and Causes

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What is the average cost to replace a water pump on a Ram 1500?

Dodge Ram 1500 Water Pump Replacement Cost Estimate. The average cost for a Dodge Ram 1500 water pump replacement is between $688 and $871. Labor costs are estimated between $174 and $220 while parts are priced between $514 and $651.

How much does it cost to replace a water pump in a 5.7 Hemi?

You can expect to pay around $678 to $811 for a water pump replacement.

Is it worth fixing a water pump?

Is It Worth Fixing My Water Pump? Absolutely, unless your engine has significant damage from overheating. If your vehicle is in good shape and you plan to keep it on the road for a while, it is crucial that you get the water pump replaced as soon as possible in order to prevent much greater damage.

How long does a Ram 1500 water pump last?

Water pumps are designed to last at least 100,000 miles, however, if your water pump fails, you should replace it with a high-quality original-equipment level unit. Less expensive replacement pumps are available, but they might only have a service life of 30,000 miles.