If the water pump is more than 5 years old or has more than 60,000 miles, replacing the pump while you are addressing the leaky gasket will be less risky, more efficient, and cost-effective. Water pump bearings and seals do not last forever.

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Water Pump

1. Coolant leak at the front-center of your car.
2. Water pump pulley is loose and making whining sounds.
3. Engine is overheating.
4. Steam coming from your radiator.

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.

Can you replace a water pump gasket yourself? While the replacement of a bad water pump gasket itself can be done with basic hand tools, getting to it is the hard part. The bad water pump gasket may be in a very tight space under your hood, with several components in the way.

The water pump contains several seals and gaskets that keep coolant enclosed and secure as it flows throughout the engine. As these seals and gaskets age, they will become worn, cracked, and dried out. Once this occurs, the coolant can leak from the water pump.

Five Signs You Need a New Water Pump

1. Leaking Coolant. A coolant leak coming from the front and center is probably coming from the water pump.
2. Rust and Corrosion. Age doesn’t work in the water pump’s favor, either, when it comes to rust and corrosion.
3. Whining Noises.
4. Overheating Engine.
5. Radiator Steam.