Close up of a car dashboard showing an enginer temperature gaugeClose up of a car dashboard showing an enginer temperature gauge
Service, Repairs & MOT

Water pump repair in Cambridge

Book a local RAC Approved Garage that you can trust.

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

Why choose the RAC for a water pump repair?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We'll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car
The temperature gauge of a car on a vehicle dashboard

Book a water pump repair

The water pump helps circulate coolant through your engine, preventing overheating. If your water pump is leaking, making noise, or has failed, a water pump repair can help.

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.
We’re friendly, straightforward and jargon-free
A mechanic inspecting the underside of a vehicle.

Book a diagnostic

A mechanic will check your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need. There are various ways to check for faults, which could include a physical examination or plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors

And it’s not just water pump repairs that we do in Cambridge

RAC Approved Garages offer MOTs and services. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

A close up of an RAC mobile mechanic looking under the hood of a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Vanquish Auto Solutions

5.0/5

Conveniently situated on Marston Road in St Neots, with ample parking – Vanquish Auto Solutions is St Neots’ most modern and well equipped vehicle servicing, Repairs & MOT garage. Vanquish Auto Solutions have invested heavily in state of the art of equipment and are proud to offer Servicing, Repairs, Tyres & Exhausts as well as MOT’s to all makes and models of vehicles. Our strong reputation for providing first class customer service, coupled with competitive pricing and honest advice has made us one of the regions most trusted vehicle specialists. On the back of this, we now also provide quality used ‘Vanquish Approved’ cars on site at our forecourt – with every vehicle being meticulously inspected prior to going on sale.
8 Marston Rd, Eynesbury, Saint Neots, PE192HB

Shire Hill Garage Ltd

4.9/5

Here at Shire Hill we use the latest diagnostic equipment, meaning that we can accurately detect what is wrong and suggest how best to make any necessary repairs. We specialise in clutch and electrical problems, and we also offer air conditioning diagnosis and repair. For honest, accurate services and affordable MOTs, bring your vehicle to Shire Hill Garage. We service all makes of cars and vans, with a highly qualified, experienced team offering a broad knowledge of different makes and models. rom cam belt replacements to air con repairs, Shire Hill Garage is the place to bring your car for extended maintenance and repairs. Just contact us for some friendly advice and to book your vehicle in for an appointment.
1 The Shires, Saffron Walden, CB11 3AN

Protyre Bury St Edmunds

4.7/5

Bury Tyre Centre - Team Protyre joined the Protyre network in 2019. The centre specialises in supplying and fitting tyres for cars, vans and 4x4s from all leading manufacturers, including Michelin, Pirelli, Falken, Sumitomo, Bridgestone and Continental. The team will be pleased to provide advice on the best tyres to meet your driving requirements.
Unit 13, Bunting Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP327BX

Eastern Garage

4.7/5

Eastern Garage is your local independent garage that has been established since 1950. We have been serving the local community for over 60 years and hope to do so for many more years to come. The current owner, Martin Sheath, took over in 1989 and runs a team of 10 employees. Our technicians have over 60 years of combined experience with all makes and models of vehicles. By choosing us to repair your vehicle, you can be assured that your vehicle will receive the care and attention it needs and deserves. We are able to carry out all repairs in line with manufacturers recommendations.
Wethersfield Road, Essex, CM7 4NT

A G Toft Garage Ltd

4.4/5

We are a family run garage in the village of Bourn, Cambs. Our team collectively has over 100 years of experience and is dedicated to delivering every customer an outstanding experience. We specialise in welding and also major mechanical rebuilds, however, we cover a wide variety of repairs and services on all makes and models. All our parts come under manufacturer warranty. Established in 1985, our technicians are people you can trust for honest advice and trusty repairs. Throughout the process of repairs, we always keep you in the loop and discuss various options. We have local transport links nearby but if you wish to wait while we work on your car, we have a comfortable waiting room where you can enjoy refreshments and free WIFI.
Ag Toft Garage, 36 Gills Hill, Bourn, CB232TS

Frequently asked questions about a water pump repair

The cost of a car water pump varies due to the cost of the pump itself, and labour involved for installation. We recommend getting a few quotes from different suppliers to better understand the cost you might expect to pay.

If your water pump isn’t working correctly, try not to drive your vehicle until it is fixed. A failing water pump can lead to engine overheating, which can cause severe damage. If you suspect your water pump is failing, it’s best to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a bad water pump include coolant leaks, an overheating engine, a whining noise from the front of the engine, steam from the radiator, and consistently low coolant levels. If you notice any of these symptoms, get your water pump checked by a professional.

If a car water pump fails, it can lead to your engine overheating. This can cause significant damage to your engine, resulting in costly repairs or even complete engine failure. It’s important to address any issues with your water pump as soon as you’re aware of them to avoid serious damage to your vehicle.

Water pumps typically last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, it's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific vehicle. Regular maintenance checks can help identify potential issues early.

The timing belt often needs to be removed to access the water pump, and replacing both at the same time can save on labour costs and prevent future issues. While not strictly necessary, it is a cost-effective way of keeping your car in good condition.

Replacing a water pump can take between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. More complex vehicles may take longer.

Replacing a water pump can be challenging, especially for those without mechanical experience. We recommend you employ a professional mechanic to perform the replacement and make sure it’s done correctly and safely.

Whether your water pump is covered under warranty depends on the terms and conditions. It’s best to check with your vehicle's manufacturer or warranty provider for details.

Yes, a bad water pump can affect your car's heating system. The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine and heater core. If the pump fails, it can mean that not enough coolant flows through the engine, causing the heating system to function improperly.

It’s important to use the coolant type recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Using the right coolant helps to make sure optimal performance and longevity of the water pump and cooling system. Always check your vehicle's owner manual for the recommended coolant type.

Several factors can cause a water pump to fail. They are mostly caused by poor maintenance or improper use, including:

  • Using incorrect coolant
  • Contaminated coolant with debris
  • Poor-quality water pump materials
  • Improper installation
  • Ignoring regular maintenance and coolant changes

Signs of a failing water pump bearing include:

  • A whining or grinding noise from the front of the engine
  • Visible wear on the water pump pulley
  • Belt tension or looseness