How much should it cost to replace oil pump?

Replacing an oil pump is a mid-range repair that varies by vehicle, location, and whether other engine components are involved. In most cases, total costs fall roughly between $500 and $1,200, with higher prices for luxury brands or engines with difficult access.

What determines the price

Several factors drive the final bill when you replace an oil pump. Understanding them helps you budget and avoids surprises at the shop.

• Parts cost: The pump itself ranges from aftermarket replacements to dealer OEM units. Some engines use external pumps, others use integrated pumps inside the oil pump housing; prices typically run from about $50 to $500 for the pump alone, depending on brand and whether you need additional seals or timing components.


• Labor time: Labor hours vary with engine layout and whether the pump is easy to access. Expect roughly 3–6 hours on average for many vehicles; longer for engines with front covers, timing components, or underbody work. Labor rates often fall in the $75–$150 per hour range, depending on location.


• Access and engine design: Cars with tight engine bays or interference engines require more disassembly, which adds both time and risk. Some vehicles require removal of the timing belt/chain or front cover, which can substantially raise cost.


• Additional parts and fluids: New gaskets, seals, a new oil filter, oil, and sometimes a new oil pressure sender or sensor may be recommended or required, adding $20–$200 to parts and fluids.


• Vehicle-specific factors: Make/model, whether the pump is in a remote location, and availability of OEM parts affect price and warranty options.

In summary, the price is not just the pump; it’s a combination of parts, labor, and the specific engine design. Always request a detailed quote that itemizes labor hours and parts.

Typical price ranges by scenario

Below are ballpark ranges to help you budget. Actual numbers depend on the shop and car.

• Economy and most mainstream cars (direct pump access, straightforward replacement): about $400–$900 total.


• Common passenger cars with average engine layout: about $500–$1,200 total.


• Luxury, performance, or engines with difficult access (timing components or front-cover removal): about $1,000–$2,000 total.


• Rare cases (older vehicles or specialized engines) may exceed $2,000 mainly due to significant labor and parts costs.

Prices can vary with regional labor rates; obtaining multiple quotes and confirming inclusions (oil, filter, and potential front-cover work) is advised.

Tips to save money and protect reliability

Smart planning can help you keep costs down while ensuring the repair lasts.

• Get multiple written quotes from reputable shops, including breakdowns of parts and labor.


• Decide whether to use aftermarket vs OEM parts; weigh warranty terms and reliability.


• Ask if timing components (belt/chain) need replacement as part of the same job; sometimes it’s prudent to do them together to avoid repeat labor.


• Have any related maintenance performed at the same time (oil change, filter, and sensor checks) to amortize labor.


• Check whether a local independent shop or a dealer offers a lower hourly rate; don’t automatically default to the dealer.

With careful planning, you can manage costs while ensuring the repair protects engine health and avoids future failures.

Summary

Oil pump replacement costs are primarily driven by parts price, labor time, and how accessible the pump is in your engine. Most drivers should expect a total bill in the $500–$1,200 range, with higher-end or particularly service-intensive cases reaching toward $2,000. To keep costs predictable, obtain several quotes, understand what is included in each, consider OEM vs aftermarket options, and plan for any related maintenance that might be needed during the repair.

How much is labor to replace an oil pump?

Since the pump is typically located within the engine, replacement often requires at least moderate disassembly. At minimum, the oil pan must come off, and in other instances, the engine must come out and partially disassembled. Depending on your vehicle, labor costs can range from $300 to $2,500.

How long does it take to replace an oil pump?

An oil pump replacement typically takes professional mechanics 4 to 8 hours, though it can range from a couple of hours to over 10 hours depending on the vehicle's complexity. For a DIY job, the process involves draining oil, removing the oil pan, disconnecting the pump, and then reassembling everything with a new pump and gasket.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a bad oil pump: 47sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Dec 31, 2021
Factors that influence replacement time

• Vehicle type: Luxury cars and trucks can take longer due to their complex engine layouts. 
• Mechanical complexity: Some vehicles require removing multiple components, such as the front differential and steering rack on a 4x4, to access the pump, which adds significant time. 
• Experience level: A professional can complete the job within the typical time, but a DIYer without the right tools or experience may take longer and risk damage. 
• Specific model: The official labor time for a 2019 Chevy Silverado 5.3L 4WD is 9.3 hours, while a different vehicle might be around 3-5 hours for the basic procedure. 

This video explains how to replace an oil pump faster: 1:01Online Mechanic TipsYouTube · Sep 23, 2023
Professional vs. DIY

• Professional: A mechanic's estimate typically includes the 4 to 8 hours of labor needed for a complex job, but it can be higher or lower depending on the specific vehicle.
• DIY: Attempting this job yourself is risky without proper tools and experience. Mistakes can lead to oil leaks or insufficient oil pressure, potentially causing catastrophic engine damage. 

Is it worth replacing an oil pump?

If you give an engine a major overhaul then you should replace the oil pump just for insurance,for example,if the engine had low oil pressure due to worn out crankshaft or camshaft bearings then it would be wise to replace it.

Can I drive with a bad oil pump?

No, you cannot safely drive with a bad oil pump because it circulates oil to lubricate and cool the engine, and a failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage, including seizure. If you have a bad oil pump, you should stop driving immediately and have the vehicle towed to a mechanic. 
This video explains the symptoms and consequences of a failing oil pump: 56sAutoAdviserYouTube · Apr 9, 2024
Why you should not drive with a bad oil pump

• Lack of lubrication: The oil pump circulates oil to all critical engine parts, such as the bearings, pistons, and camshaft. Without proper oil pressure, these parts will not be lubricated, leading to metal-on-metal contact, excessive wear, and potential seizure. 
• Engine overheating: Lubricating oil also helps cool the engine. A faulty pump can cause the engine to overheat, as oil isn't circulating correctly to dissipate the heat. 
• Engine seizure: The worst-case scenario is a complete engine seizure, where the moving parts lock up and the engine stops working entirely. This can happen very quickly, sometimes within minutes. 
• Knocking sounds: A knocking sound coming from the engine is a common sign of a failing oil pump, as the metal components are rubbing together due to insufficient lubrication. 
• Pressure drop: A bad oil pump will cause a drop in oil pressure, which can lead to a loss of engine performance. 

You can watch this video to learn about the signs of a bad oil pump, such as low oil pressure: 56sStudent LessonYouTube · Oct 7, 2023
What to do instead

• Stop immediately: Pull over and turn off the engine as soon as you notice signs of oil pump failure, such as a knocking sound or the oil pressure light coming on. 
• Call for a tow: Do not attempt to drive the vehicle. Arrange to have it towed to a professional mechanic to avoid further damage. 
• Check oil levels: While not a solution for a bad pump, it's a good practice to check your oil level, but remember that a low oil level is only one possible cause of low oil pressure.