Let's Talk Cars!

Q#1 I had a coolant leak in my Ford Explorer.  The repair shop diagnosed it as a bad water pump and when I got the estimate I about fell out of my chair!  When did having to replace a water pump become so expensive? The estimate included parts like a timing chain and valve cover gaskets; is that all really necessary?  The shop told me it was because my Ford has an internal water pump that requires removing the timing cover to replace it and due to the engine mileage, they wouldn’t replace just the water pump I would have to replace a bunch of other parts! Is it necessary to replace the other parts they mentioned?

Replacing the Water Pump is Labor Intensive 

The cost of replacing a water pump can vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as the labor rates in your area. However, in general, replacing a water pump can be a costly repair.

In your case, the repair shop is correct in saying that your Ford Explorer has an internal water pump. This means that the water pump is located inside the engine and is not easily accessible. In order to replace the water pump, the timing cover, timing chain and valve covers must be removed. This is a time-consuming and parts & labor-intensive process, which is why the cost of the repair is so high.

Parts are a big part of the repair

In addition to the cost of labor, the cost of parts can also add up. The water pump itself is a relatively inexpensive part, but the timing chain and valve cover gaskets add more expense. The shop is recommending that you replace these parts as well because they are all nearing the end of their service life.  Labor is a big part of this repair and due to the vehicle age trying to save money by not replacing old and worn parts that have to be removed and reinstalled is just asking for problems.   

If you decide to have the water pump replaced, it is important to get it done by a qualified mechanic. A poorly-done repair can lead to further damage to your engine.

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to replace the other parts:

• The age and mileage of your vehicle. If your vehicle is nearing the end of its life, it may not be worth the cost to repair.
• The condition of your vehicle. If your vehicle is in good condition, it may be worth the cost to replace the other parts to prevent further damage to your engine.
• Ask about discounts, AAA members receive a 10% discount up to $50 on most automotive repairs.

Important!! Ask about the parts and labor warranty

 Ask about the parts and labor warranty.  For example, Northwood Garage is a NAPA Gold & AAA Certified Repair Facility which means the parts and labor warranty is good for 3 Years or 36,000 miles whichever comes first when NAPA brand parts are installed.  Very few repair facilities offer that level of assurance.

*Ask if the NAPA parts installed at the Northwood Garage have a lifetime parts warranty.  In many cases the part will have a warranty as long as you own the vehicle.  Note: the lifetime part warranty doesn’t cover labor just the cost of the part.    

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to replace the other parts is up to you. Weigh the pros and cons and make the decision that is best for you and your vehicle.