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Is your timing belt or water pump faulty or in need of a replacement? You could save money on expensive repair bills by carrying out the work yourself – provided you know your way around an engine bay. Here, we provide a step-by-step guide on replacing a timing belt and water pump, and answer a few common queries on the cost of replacements and when the work needs doing. Quick Links
Replacing a timing belt and water pump does require a decent understanding of engines, so if you’re not that experienced working under the bonnet we’d advise you to leave it to the pros. But if you are and you enjoy doing your own repairs or restorations then it’s something you can do yourself, and save on some big repair bills in the process. We’ll walk you through the process of replacing a timing belt and water pump step by step, starting with the tools you’ll need. What You’ll Need to Replace the Water Pump and Timing Belt
Step 1: PreparationFirst, prepare your car and work area. Changing a timing belt and water pump can take anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on your skill level, so make sure you have the time and space to complete the job. Do the following before you start:
Step 2: Removing the BeltsThe fan belt and power steering belt sit beside the cover which houses the timing belt and water pump, so you’ll need to remove them first. Follow the steps below to remove the belts: Step 3: Removing the Timing CaseThe timing case covers the timing belt and water pump, so you’ll need to remove it. Now that the belts are removed and the crankshaft pulley is loosened, this should be a pretty straightforward job. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 4: Marking the CogsBefore you loosen the pulley and remove the timing belt, it’s a really good idea to mark the cogs with a little white paint, Tip-Ex or chalk. This will make reassembly much easier, as the cogs will need to realign perfectly to ensure good engine performance. Here are the areas you should mark:
Step 5: Removing the Timing BeltHere’s how to remove the timing belt:
Step 6: Removing the Water PumpNow it’s time to remove the water pump. Before you do this, make sure you have a bucket in place beneath the car to catch the coolant/antifreeze when you unscrew the water pump. Here’s what to do:
Step 7: ReassemblyNow it’s time to reassemble the engine with the new water pump and timing belt. We’d always recommend replacing both components at the same time. The water pump and timing belt should be changed at an interval of 60,000 miles to prevent faults; this will also save you time and money, as the labour involved in dissembling the engine to replace these parts is time-consuming, and can be expensive if carried out by a garage. By replacing the two parts together, you’ll be saving time and money in the long-term. Here are a few points when reassembling:
Step 8: Refill the Cooling SystemThe final step is to refill the cooling system with fresh, high-performance coolant/antifreeze. Here’s a recap on how to refill your car’s cooling system:
Remember – this is a guideline only and the layout/process of replacing the water pump and timing belt may differ in your car. Consult a professional mechanic if you’re in doubt and only carry out the work if you’re confident with working with engines. When Should I Replace My Timing Belt and Water Pump?The timing belt and water pump will need to be changed in line with the manufacturer’s recommendation; this is normally every 60,000 miles. Most people change both components at the same time to save on costs and time. This is because the labour involved in dissembling the engine to get at these parts is complicated and time-consuming, so you’ll be saving yourself lots of time by replacing them at the same time yourself, or lots of money if a garage is doing the work for you. Signs that Your Timing Belt and Water Pump Need ReplacingThere are a few signs that can tell you when your timing belt and water pump need replacing:
How Much Does it Cost to Replace the Timing Belt and Water Pump?The cost of replacing a timing belt and water pump varies depending on your car. If you take it to a garage, you should expect to pay between £299 and £600 for the work. If you carry out the work yourself, you can pick up a timing belt and water pump kit for around £40 to £150. At Holts, we’re passionate about helping you take care of your car. Our DIY car maintenance products and tools are designed to be easy to use either on the road or on your drive. For more information, visit the homepage today. How long does it take to remove and replace a water pump?A simple replacement should take around two hours, but more complicated work trying to fix a water pump (which will save you money on parts) can take four or more hours. These timelines don't include how long your car is sitting at the mechanic—if the shop is busy, your car could wait a while before being serviced.
How much does it cost to replace a water pump in a car?A water pump should last anywhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. A water pump replacement costs between $400 and $800 depending on the vehicle and the difficulty involved. Parts can run from $200 to $400, with labor services similarly priced. These estimates do not include taxes or shop materials, and disposal fees.
How hard is it to replace a water pump?While removing the pump is not difficult, you must have experience removing and replacing timing belts and their various components. It takes just as much work to get down to the timing belt as it does the water pump, therefore you should plan on replacing the belt at the same time.
What is the labor cost to replace a water pump?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.
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