Repair Cost Guide

Water pump replacement cost
for a Ford Explorer

Replacing the water pump on a Ford Explorer involves draining the coolant, removing accessory drive components, and installing the new pump and gasket. The cost is primarily driven by the engine type, as accessing the pump on the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is significantly more labor-intensive than on the base V6 models.

$350 – $900
Typical fair price range · USD

Cost breakdown

Parts: ~$50-$150 / Labour: ~$300-$750

What affects the price

Engine type (3.5L EcoBoost requires timing chain cover removal, increasing labour)
Shop rate (dealerships charge more than independent shops)
Use of premium parts (OEM vs. aftermarket pump and coolant)

Can you do it yourself?

Possible with skill — requires mechanical experience, a full tool set, and careful handling of the cooling system and timing components on certain engines.

Tips before you pay

On EcoBoost models, confirm if the timing chain-driven pump is the issue, as labour cost is high.
Always replace the thermostat and coolant at the same time for preventative maintenance.
Use a torque wrench on pump bolts to prevent leaks from over- or under-tightening.

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More cost guides

Brake pads replacement — Ford Explorer Alternator replacement — Ford Explorer Timing belt replacement — Ford Explorer

Estimate based on typical U.S. market rates as of July 2026. Actual prices vary by region, shop, and parts quality — always compare against a real quote using our Scam Checker.