Subaru Forester Water Pump Replacement at your home or office.

Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(542)

Included for free with this service

Online Booking

Mechanic comes to you

12-month / 12k-mile warranty

Free 50 point safety inspection

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Customer Ratings

(542)

Water Pump Replacement Service

How much does a Water Pump Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Subaru Forester Water Pump Replacement is $649 with $229 for parts and $420 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2005 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeWater Pump ReplacementEstimate$1242.58Shop/Dealer Price$1447.78 - $2039.06
2015 Subaru ForesterH4-2.0L TurboService typeWater Pump ReplacementEstimate$968.97Shop/Dealer Price$1089.88 - $1438.20
2012 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5L TurboService typeWater Pump ReplacementEstimate$1684.77Shop/Dealer Price$1988.19 - $2884.23
2007 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeWater Pump ReplacementEstimate$1273.53Shop/Dealer Price$1487.99 - $2118.84
1999 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeWater Pump ReplacementEstimate$1220.11Shop/Dealer Price$1425.64 - $2019.74
2003 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeWater Pump ReplacementEstimate$1215.55Shop/Dealer Price$1415.94 - $2003.62
2017 Subaru ForesterH4-2.0L TurboService typeWater Pump ReplacementEstimate$968.97Shop/Dealer Price$1090.02 - $1438.44
2009 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeWater Pump ReplacementEstimate$1206.19Shop/Dealer Price$1403.82 - $1984.16
Show example Subaru Forester Water Pump Replacement prices

What is a water pump and how does it work?

The water pump is a belt or chain-driven engine accessory bolted to the engine above the crankshaft pulley. The pump housing has an impeller that circulates engine coolant through the cooling system passageways in the engine block and cylinder head, on to the radiator, where the coolant temperature is reduced. . The lower temperature coolant then flows back to the water inlet on the engine and the water pump continues the cycle.

When to consider replacing the water pump:

  • Coolant leaks or overheating. The water pump impeller shaft is supported by a bearing. Eventually, the bearing or seal can wear and leak or damage the impeller. Many water pumps have weep holes near the pump bearing. If you see significant leakage from that weep hole, it is time to replace the pump.
  • Bearing roughness or noise. If the water pump shaft does not turn smoothly or the pump is noisy, the bearing is excessively worn. Pump replacement will be necessary.
  • Timing belt replacement. In engines where the water pump is driven by the timing belt, it is a good idea to replace the water pump at the same time the timing belt is replaced. The extensive work explains why it is always recommended to replace the water pump whenever the mechanic already has these components removed for regularly scheduled timing belt replacement.

How do mechanics replace the water pump?

  • The water pump is usually bolted to the front of the engine. The replacement procedure will vary depending on whether the pump is driven by the timing belt, the serpentine belt, or chain.
  • On a cold engine, the engine coolant is drained to a level below the water pump.
  • Components that require removing to access the water pump are removed, including the belt or chain that directly drive the pump.
  • The bolts holding the pump to the engine are removed and the pump is pulled out.
  • The gasket surface must be cleaned and the pump mounting surface inspected. A new gasket, rubber seal, or RTV sealant, as required, is installed and then the new pump. The bolts are torqued in sequence using a calibrated inch pound torque wrench.
  • For applications where the water pump is driven by the timing belt, the timing belt must be removed. Typically, this requires removal of the crankshaft pulley, timing belt covers, and timing belt tensioner. Once the new pump is installed, new coolant is added back while bleeding the cooling system of any air. The engine is then run and brought to normal operating temperature to check for leaks and ensure normal operating temperature.

Is it safe to drive with a water pump problem?

No. Should the water pump only leak a little bit, you can drive the car. However, a small leak could suddenly enlarge or the pump bearing might unexpectedly seize. Either circumstance would likely cause engine overheating. If a defective water pump causes the overheating, it is not safe to drive because of the damage to the engine.

When replacing the water pump keep in mind:

  • It is best to install a new cooling system thermostat when you install a new water pump, especially if the thermostat is old or original.
  • Completely flushing the cooling system is a good idea when you replace the water pump. Flushing can be done before or after pump replacement.
  • The rest of the cooling system should be inspected too — particularly rubber hoses, which have a limited lifetime.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Subaru mechanics

Real customer reviews from Subaru owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(542)

Rating Summary
522
8
5
1
6
522
8
5
1
6

Darnell

19 years of experience
5 reviews
Darnell
19 years of experience
Forester 1998 - Starter - Los Angeles, CA
Darnell was very professional and helpful! He broke everything down and leveled with me, which I really appreciate. Can’t recommend him enough!!

Derrick

20 years of experience
16 reviews
Derrick
20 years of experience
Forester 2017 - Oil Change - Brooklyn, NY
Superb experience!

Mike

25 years of experience
79 reviews
Mike
25 years of experience
Forester 1999 - Spark Plugs - Ann Arbor, MI
Mike was great, and I highly would recommend him. His 25 years of experience and expertise was clear by how he patiently answered all my questions. Mike was extremely helpful and efficient!

Alexander

5 years of experience
126 reviews
Alexander
5 years of experience
Forester 2010 - Wheel Stud - Columbus, OH
Alex is always over-the-top helpful and gives good guidance on upcoming care and areas to pay attention to and how to approach parts and planning for my vehicle's maintenance.

Excellent Rating

(542)

Rating Summary
522
8
5
1
6
522
8
5
1
6
Number of Subaru Forester services completed
5962+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Subaru MECHANICS
800+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Understanding the Subaru Low Oil and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Subaru Low Oil codes indicate when your car needs service.
The Traveler’s Guide to Driving in Hungary
Hungary Hungary has a beautiful landscape, some amazing architecture, and plenty of attractions (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/hungary/things-to-do) to keep visitors wanting to keep returning. Some of the places that you may want to visit on your vacation include the Benedictine Abbey Church in...
How to Find the Source of an Oil Leak
Oil Oil leaks are a very common problem that affects many car owners. Virtually all modern engines use some sort of oiling lubrication system, and a compromise in the sealing of this system will result in an oil leak. Whether...

Check Engine Light on - P2187 and P0420 codes

Hello. If I understand correctly, when you say "catless downpipe," you mean that you have installed a pipe without a catalytic converter. If that is the case, you are always going to have the code for catalyst efficiency. The car...

When purchasing engine/transmission mounts should the mounts be specific to an automatic or standard transmission?

If you want the mount that was engineered and manufactured specifically for your vehicle, you can order motor mounts from the dealer by VIN number. With regard to transmissions, the automatic versus manual transmission have different cases and thus necessarily...

My mustang when I press clutch in all gauges max out loses power let it go runs fine

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com