Pressure Test Cooling System
Check Radiator
Remove and Replace Water Pump
Change Coolant/Anti-Freeze
Check Drive Belt and Pulleys
Road Test
Ever imagined what will happen if you run a car with a faulty water pump? Apart from an overly-hot bonnet which may emit smoke, your car engine can dangerously heat up to the point of failure. The water pump in your car is a belt-driven device designed to circulate coolant from the radiator to the engine, helping to keep it cool. Running a vehicle with heating issues can cause further damage to the engine, hence, our mobile mechanics travel to your location to carry out repairs and replacements on the car’s cooling system.
At Lube Mobile, we not just assist emergency car breakdowns but also carry out standard car services, non-urgent car repairs and diagnostics all across Australia including Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.
Making an online booking via our site is simple. All you have to do is fill out a few information about your postcode, your car’s make, model and year and choose a convenient date and time slot for the car service. We usually organise a same or next business day booking.
Your car’s water pump houses multiple gaskets and seals that enclose the coolant. When these gaskets begin to wear out, the coolant dribbles out of the weep hole. So, if you notice spilled coolant and oil (mostly green or red) in front of your car, know that the water pump is no longer able to do its job. However, water pumps are more likely to leak when the vehicle engine is running and the water pump impeller is rotating. But if you notice leaking coolant even when your car is stagnant, the issue may originate from another part of your vehicle. Getting your cooling system checked as soon as a problem arises may just require a gasket or seal fix and can save you bigger repair bills for a damaged engine down the road.
If you hear a high-pitched whining noise that increases as you accelerate, chances are that the water pump pulley has become loose. Tightening the belt or replacing the tensioner can solve this problem. A grinding noise coming from the front of the engine bay indicates that the bearing that supports the water pump shaft is wearing out. Get in touch with us and our mobile mechanics can fix the issue before it is aggravated.
A faulty water pump may not be able to steadily circulate coolant through the engine block, resulting in overheating. Even a small leak in the water pump can cause the coolant levels to drop pretty quickly. If not repaired immediately, engine overheating can cause additional damage like cracked cylinder heads, blown head gaskets or burnt pistons.
Another signal of water pump failure is finding smoke or steam coming out from under your car’s hood while you are driving. In most cases, a coolant leak causing an engine overheating is the problem. The first thing you should do in such a situation is to open all the windows and turn on the car’s heater. Doing this will pull some of the heat away from your engine until you find a safe place to park your car. Wait for the engine to cool before experimenting around, as you’re dealing with scalding-hot coolant. Call a mechanic and get him to assess the damage and offer a solution.
Coolant leak over the time will cause different minerals to accumulate around the pump. You may also notice a coating of rust on the pump’s surface. The coolant when exposed to high temperature over a repeated period of time can also cause deposit build up inside the pump and slow the process of engine cooling. In addition to these signs of wear, you may also notice small holes from corrosion on the metal or formation of cavities on the mounting surface.
Our water pump replacement service includes:
Inspection of the condition of your cooling system
Checking your drive belt and hoses
Replacing water pump if it has problems
Checking and replacing lost coolant levels
Pressure testing your cooling system
Getting a test drive for safety purposes
When it comes to water pump longevity, they are designed to last a long time. Most manufacturers recommend getting your water pump replaced when you change the timing belt. Water pumps are driven by the timing belt and hence they can last as long as the latter does. On an average, water pumps can last anywhere between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. Of course, some water pumps may be damaged well before its time and need a quick replacement to safeguard the engine.
Water pump replacement costs are usually pricey and may range between $350 and $1000. To reach the water pump, our mechanic has to remove several other components in your vehicle’s cooling system, hence, it is wiser to get all the parts replaced once the water pump fails. Though the individual costs of the parts are quite cheap, the labour price goes high depending on the difficulty level of reaching the pump. So, you may consider changing the fan, radiator, drive belt, heater core, heater tap, radiator cap, radiator hose and the serpentine belt as well to save on individual labour charges in the long run.
Our mechanic will provide you with a quote after having a look at your vehicle and start work only after you are comfortable with the expense. All our automobile parts and labour work fall under the 12 month/20,000km warranty, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of service. Trust Lube Mobile with your car’s water pump replacement and enjoy a seamless car servicing experience.