The oil pump is the beating heart of your car. It circulates oil to lubricate the engine parts, allowing them to move together without friction.
But if the oil pump breaks and isn’t replaced in time, the engine will be without a heartbeat — everything would seize up, overheat, and eventually break down.
But don’t worry!
We’ll share the cost of an oil pump replacement, the ideal time to get one, and show you how to spot the early warning signs of a faulty one.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does an Oil Pump Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Oil Pump?
- 6 Signs You Need an Oil Pump Replacement
- How Long Do Oil Pumps Last?
- What Are the Causes of Oil Pump Failure?
How Much Does an Oil Pump Replacement Cost?
Here’s how much money you should set aside for an oil pump replacement:
A. Range
The overall cost for an oil pump replacement is around $1,205 to $1,625.
Breaking it down:
- Replacement part: $415 to $425
- Labor costs: $750 to $1000. This job usually takes around 4 to 8 hours.
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The cost of getting a new oil pump can change due to the following factors:
- Car make and model: While a pump is priced around $400 for an average car, a luxury or performance car oil pump costs up to $1000.
- Quality of parts: High-quality materials, like advanced alloys and composites, help performance engine pumps handle high pressures and temperatures. However, they cost more than regular pumps made from cheaper materials like aluminum and powdered metal.
- Type of oil pump: Electric oil pumps, primarily used in hybrid electric cars or race cars, tend to be more expensive than mechanical pumps used in most combustion engine cars. That’s because they’re difficult to manufacture and include components like electronic control units and sensors.
- Additional fixes: If your oil is dirty, you’ll need an oil change and a new oil filter. New oil and an oil filter typically cost between $60 to $200. You might also need additional parts, such as an oil pan gasket and seals, which can add to your final bill.
Is It Worth Replacing the Oil Pump?
Definitely, yes! If the oil pump fails, you can’t drive your car for more than 5-15 minutes before having a severe engine breakdown. Even with a partially functioning oil pump, your car will hesitate when accelerating and run at high engine temperature.
Why?
The oil pump ensures pressurized oil flows through the engine and forms a protective layer between components like bearings and the camshaft. Without this lubrication, these parts can grind together, generating heat that may cause them to fuse and result in catastrophic engine failure.
6 Signs You Need an Oil Pump Replacement
If you see any of the following problems, you should call a mechanic immediately:
- Flashing oil pressure sensor light (oil light)
- Oil spots or puddles below the front or center of the car
- Distinct burning smell
- Whining or whirring sound when the car idles
- Steam from under the hood
- Metalic debris in the oil
How Long Do Oil Pumps Last?
Typically, oil pumps can last between 60,000 and 70,000 miles.
Some factors that affect its lifespan are:
- Quality of pump: Pumps made by reputed OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) have stricter quality standards and can last longer than an aftermarket replacement part.
- Driving style: Rash and frequent high-speed driving can add extra stress to the pump, causing it to wear quickly.
- Wrong oil: Lower-viscosity oil can reduce flow resistance but may place extra stress on the pump and reduce its lifespan.
- Lack of maintenance: Skipping regular oil changes contaminates the oil pump and builds up debris in the fluid, causing wear and tear.
What Are the Causes of Oil Pump Failure?
Here are a few reasons why you might have oil pump issues:
- Dirty engine oil
- Engine sludge
- Malfunctioning oil lines
- Low oil level due to a leak
- Foaming oil caused by rapid crank movement and high engine speeds
Get an Oil Pump Replacement with AutoNation Mobile Service
Driving to a repair shop with a failing oil pump risks potential engine damage, and there’s no guarantee you’ll make it before a breakdown.
Instead, let AutoNation Mobile Service replace the oil pump from your driveway!
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution available seven days a week.
Contact us to schedule an engine repair, transmission repair, water pump replacement, or any other auto maintenance service.