The oil pump is often referred to as the heart of the engine – because it carries out the vital role of distributing essential lubricants and supplies pressure to all the moving parts of the vehicle.
The oil pump is meant to transmit around 3 to 6 gallons of oil every minute and, at the same time, maintain constant pressure in the system.
When the oil pump gets bad, you will need an oil pump replacement immediately to keep your car functioning properly.
On average, oil pump replacement costs between $300 and $2500, depending on the model of the vehicle, including repair costs. Therefore, you should be expecting between 100$ to 500$ for replacement parts and 200$ to 2000$ for the labor cost.
This article will describe the oil pump, how to locate it, the symptoms of a bad oil pump, and the steps involved in carrying out an oil pump replacement.
How an Oil Pump Works
Many oil pumps are powered by gears connected to the camshaft or distributor shaft. The pump is usually two gears housed in a tight-fitting casing.
When the gear teeth rotate in the housing, they leave a space occupied by the oil drawn from the oil pump inlet. The oil is drawn into the housing then travels through the gear teeth and the pump housing.
It is then driven into an oil tube between the teeth, causing pressure. The moment your oil pump malfunctions, your engine will be reduced to a hulking paperweight in no time.
Also, failure of the oil pump can result in low pressure in the system, improper lubrication, and eventually, an engine failure.
Symptoms of a Bad Oil Pump
- Low oil pressure / when the Oil Pressure Warning indicator Comes on.
- Increased engine temperature.
- Strange engine noises
- The engine won’t start.
For a more detailed explanation of the symptoms of a bad oil pump check out our guide on Bad Oil Pump Symptoms
Oil Pump Replacement Cost
On average, oil pump replacement costs between $300 and $2500, depending on the model of the vehicle, including repair costs. Therefore, you should be expecting between 100$ to 500$ for replacement parts and 200$ to 2000$ for the labor cost.
A new oil pump replacement costs $50 to $200, depending on where you purchase the new pump. You might also need to replace the oil pan gaskets and also a new front main gasket
Depending on the design of the front main, you may have to replace all the gaskets associated with a top-end rebuild, and you’ll be spending between $50 and $200 on only gaskets.
Next, you’ll need both new oil and an oil filter or oil filter housing, and if you still have to take out the front main seal, you’ll also need a new coolant, and both fluids will go for another $100 to $150.
Finally, you’ll need to consider all the manual labor involved with this phase. Also, the labor cost could vary depending on the vehicle, as the number of components to be replaced may differ.
As a result, it will generally take an auto mechanic four to eight hours to repair all damages. This work makes the repairs float between $200 and $800, depending on the vehicle.
How to Save On an Oil Pump Replacement
If the oil pump replacement cost is too much for you, you could consider saving money by doing it yourself, but it will be a lot of work.
Also, remember that you’d need a certain level of familiarity with engines to do this and if you feel that you can’t do it by yourself, then take your vehicle to a mechanic.
Oil Pump Location to Carry Out Oil Pump Replacement
In most vehicles, the oil pump is located within the oil pan. It practically sits slightly above the pan while using an inlet tube to collect oil from the pan and send it into the engine. In some engines, it is located towards the front of the crankshaft.
In addition, the location of the oil pump will require you to remove the oil pan before you can access it. This technicality causes the job to be more complex and time-consuming.
In the case of some vehicles, you’ll need to take out the front main cover, and this would require removing and reinstalling many more parts.
Also Read: Oil Pan Gasket Replacement Cost (Everything to know)
Oil Pump Replacement Procedure
The steps below explain how to replace an oil pump yourself
Here are the Materials Needed
- You’ll need a Repair Manual
- A Jack and Jack stands
- An Oil Drain Pan
- Protective Gloves
- Safety Goggles
- And Wheel Chocks
Step 1: Engage the emergency brake and lock the wheels.
You should park your vehicle on level ground and put on the emergency brakes. Then set the wheel chocks at the rear of the front wheels.
Step 2: Using the jack, raise the vehicle and take out the wheels.
Then place the jack underneath a substantial portion of your vehicle’s frame.
If you doubt where to put the jack on your vehicle, check with the repair manual. After you have raised the car, set the jack stands under the car’s frame and lower the jack. Then loosen the lug nuts completely and remove the wheels.
Step 3: Disconnect the Battery Cable.
Detach the negative battery cable from the car.
Step 4:Drain the engine oil.
Drain the old engine oil into a bucket to be disposed of later
Step 5: Loosen the oil pan bolts and then remove the pan.
On some vehicles, you may need to remove some other components, such as the starter motor, exhaust pipe, etc., before you can access the pan.
Step 6: Remove the old oil pan gasket.
You may need to scrape the oil pan gasket with a gasket scraper and be careful not to scratch or damage the oil pan.
Step 7. Remove the oil pump
Remove the pump by loosening the pump from the rear bearing cap bolt, then removing the pump and the extension shaft.
Step 8: Install the new oil pump
You’ll have to position the pump and the drive shaft extension and then slot it into the drive gear to install the pump. Then install the pump-to-rear bearing cap bolt and tighten to spec.
Step 9: Install the oil pan.
Be sure to clean the oil pan and put in a new gasket. Then, attach the pan to the engine. After this, insert the bolts and tighten them to spec.
Step 10: Fill the engine with oil.
Tighten the drain plug, then add the fresh oil into the engine.
Step 11: Remove the jack stands.
Use the jack to raise the vehicle, remove the jack stands, and lower the car. And finally,
Step 12: Remove the wheel chocks.
Remove the wheel chocks and test drive your vehicle.
Check out this video for more tips on oil pump replacement
Frequently Asked Questions – Oil Pump Replacement
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Oil Pump?
Oil pump replacement costs between $300 and $2500, depending on the model of the vehicle, including repair costs. Replacement parts should cost between 100$ and 500$, and repairs should cost between 200$ and 2000$. The cost of replacing an oil pump would vary slightly depending on the type of oil pump you choose, which can cost between $50 and $150.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Oil Pump Seal?
Changing the oil pump seal would cost between $40 and $90
Can You Change an Oil Pump Yourself?
Yes, you can. And fortunately, it’s a straightforward task. All replacement parts are affordable, and if you’ve got the time, you could save a lot of money by doing it yourself.
Can You Drive With a Faulty Oil Pump?
It is not advisable to drive with a faulty oil pump as it is tasked with lubricating moving parts in the engine. When there is no lubrication, there is excessive friction which would eventually lead to a seized motor which could cause you even more damage.
What Causes an Oil Pump to Fail?
The primary cause of oil pump failure is low oil. When the oil level is too low, the oil pump and the engine would lack lubrication which would cause mechanical issues such as morphing of various parts of the pump, which would eventually lead to an oil pump failure.
What Kind of Noise Does a Bad Oil Pump Make?
In serious cases, you would hear a loud whining sound when the vehicle is idle. This loud noise indicates that the gears inside the oil pump are deteriorating due to friction.
Where Is the Oil Pump Located?
The oil pump in vehicles is usually located within the oil pan, situated at the side of the car, and it receives oil through an inlet tube that sits on the pan. And in some vehicles, it is located around the crankshaft.
How Hard Is It to Change an Oil Pump?
It’s not complicated, but it is most time-consuming. Usually, the whole front of the motor has to be removed because the oil pump is behind the timing chain cover. So it’s around the same amount of work as changing your timing chain.
When Should the Oil Pump Be Replaced?
Replace the oil pump if it shows signs of wear. If properly and regularly maintained, it should last for around 60,000 or 70,000 miles.
Can the Oil Pump Be Repaired?
Yes, it can, but the problem associated with repairing the oil pump is Getting the replacement parts, which is not that easy to find and It doesn’t usually last for long as compared to a new one. The reason why getting a new part is preferable.