Water pump · Autobedrijf Willemsbrug Rotterdam

Water pump replacement in Rotterdam

Do you keep having to top up the coolant, or is the engine running too hot? Then the water pump may be leaking. We test the cooling system and replace the water pump in our own workshop, together with the timing belt if needed. You hear the price in advance.

4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews | All makes | Price agreed in advance

The short answer

Autobedrijf Willemsbrug replaces water pumps on every make in our own workshop at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, together with the timing belt if needed. We first test the whole cooling system, so you do not replace a part that is still good. You hear in advance what the repair costs. We only carry out extra work, such as a new timing belt, if you agree to it.

A worn water pump often starts to leak. You then keep having to top up the coolant or you see a wet patch near the pump. Is the engine running too hot? Then do not drive on, because the engine can be badly damaged. According to the ANWB, the pump itself costs from a few tens of euros to about € 100, but the labour makes the difference. You get a warranty on our repairs. We tell you which warranty applies when we give you the quote. Book an appointment on +31 10 479 00 00 and have your registration number ready. You bring the car in Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am, or on Saturday at 9.00 am.

Jump to: warning signs · how to spot it and costs · frequently asked questions · directions

Signs of a failing water pump

You often notice a water pump that is giving up from one or more of these signs.

  • You keep having to top up the coolant
  • A wet patch or crusty deposits near the water pump
  • The temperature gauge rises
  • A humming or squealing sound from the front of the engine
  • A sweet smell after driving
  • The heater gets less warm

Is the temperature gauge rising or has the coolant warning light come on? Then stop in a safe place and switch off the engine. Do not open the coolant reservoir while the engine is hot. Call your breakdown service. Read what to do if you have a breakdown.

What does the water pump do?

The water pump circulates the coolant. The coolant absorbs the heat from the engine and releases it in the radiator. That keeps the engine at the right temperature.

The pump is driven by the timing belt, the timing chain or the auxiliary belt. Some modern cars have an electric water pump.

According to the ANWB, coolant that leaks away can get into the pump bearing until the pump seizes. If the pump is driven by the timing belt, that can damage the belt and eventually the engine.

What we do

  • Test the cooling system under pressure
  • Find where the coolant is leaking
  • Replace the water pump in our own workshop
  • Replace the timing belt at the same time if the pump sits behind it, once you agree
  • Fill the cooling system with the correct coolant and bleed it
  • A test drive and a final check for leaks

We only do extra work once you agree.

Good servicing includes a check of the cooling system. Read more about the service for your car, the checks in a major service (in Dutch) and oil changes (in Dutch). With a major service, the APK (MOT) is free, except for Tesla and Polestar.

Water pump replacement: signs and what to do

This table shows what a sign often means. One sign on its own does not tell the whole story. We only know what is really going on once we have checked the car.

Signs of a failing water pump and what to do
What you notice What it may mean What to do
You keep having to top up the coolant A leak, often at the water pump, the radiator or a hose Have the cooling system checked
Wet patch or crusty deposits near the water pump The water pump seal is leaking Have it checked before the bearing is damaged
The temperature gauge rises Too little coolant, or the pump is no longer pumping properly Stop and switch off the engine. Do not drive on
Humming or squealing sound from the front of the engine The water pump bearing is wearing Have it checked soon
Sweet smell after driving Coolant leaks onto hot engine parts Have it checked
The heater gets less warm Too little coolant or too little flow Read what to do when the heater blows cold

Together with the timing belt

Is the water pump driven by the timing belt? Then the ANWB recommends replacing the pump at the same time when the belt is due. Most of the work has then already been done. If the pump fails earlier, the belt has to come off anyway. Read more about the timing belt.

Water pump replacement: what does it cost?

According to the ANWB, the pump itself costs from a few tens of euros to about € 100. The labour makes the difference. If the timing belt also has to come off, that costs about € 300 to € 1,000 according to the ANWB, depending on the car, plus the pump. That is a guide and not a quote from us. You hear in advance what it costs for your car.

We work on all makes and models. You are also welcome with a van or motorhome up to 3,500 kg. Our mechanics hold the GMTO certificate (the Dutch qualification for working on high-voltage systems), so they can work on hybrid and electric cars.

Why we test the whole cooling system

If the engine runs too hot, that is not necessarily the water pump. It can also be the thermostat, the radiator, the cooling fan or a hose. That is why we test the whole cooling system. That way you do not replace a part that is still good. Then you hear what is wrong, what it costs and how long it takes.

You get a warranty on our repairs. We tell you which warranty applies when we give you the quote. Call +31 10 479 00 00 for a check or a quote.

More about the water pump

Here you can read how long a water pump lasts, what you can check yourself and how it works in electric cars, vans and motorhomes.

How long a water pump lasts

According to the ANWB, a water pump driven by the timing belt should last at least until the belt is due for replacement according to the manufacturer. With a timing chain that is at least 120,000 kilometres in normal use. A water pump often lasts longer.

New coolant after the replacement

When the water pump is replaced, some of the coolant drains out. We fill the system with the coolant the manufacturer specifies. Mixing different types can cause problems. Then we bleed the air out of the system, otherwise the engine can still overheat.

What you can check yourself

Check the coolant level in the reservoir regularly, when the engine is cold. Do not open the reservoir while the engine is hot. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge and on wet patches under the car. Read more about a puddle under the car (in Dutch).

Water pumps in electric cars

Electric cars also have water pumps, often more than one. Those pumps are electric and keep the battery, the electric motor and the electronics at the right temperature. We work on the high-voltage system with GMTO certification (the Dutch qualification for working on high-voltage systems). Read more about hybrid servicing.

Vans and motorhomes up to 3,500 kg

You are also welcome with a van or motorhome up to 3,500 kg. We replace the water pump in our own workshop for those too. Read more about van repairs and motorhome repairs.

Frequently asked questions about the water pump

Below you will find answers to questions our customers often ask.

How do I know if my water pump is broken?

According to the ANWB, a worn water pump often starts to leak. You then keep having to top up the coolant. Other signs are a wet patch or crusty deposits near the pump, a humming sound from the front of the engine and an engine that runs too hot. One sign on its own does not tell the whole story. We pressure test the cooling system and tell you what we find.

How much does it cost to replace a water pump?

That depends mainly on how the pump is driven. According to the ANWB, the pump itself costs from a few tens of euros to about € 100. The labour makes the difference. If the pump sits behind the timing belt, the belt is usually replaced as well. According to the ANWB, replacing a timing belt costs about € 300 to € 1,000, depending on the car, plus the pump. That is a guide and not a quote from us. You hear what it costs for your car after the check.

Should the water pump be replaced with the timing belt?

Yes. If the timing belt drives the water pump, that is sensible. The ANWB recommends replacing the water pump at the same time. Most of the work has then already been done. Replacing it separately later costs more. If the pump fails earlier, the belt has to come off anyway. Read more about the timing belt.

Can I keep driving with a leaking water pump?

No. We advise against it. If coolant leaks away, the engine can overheat. That can also damage the head gasket. According to the ANWB, coolant can also get into the bearing until the pump seizes. If the pump is driven by the timing belt, that can damage the belt and the engine. If the temperature gauge rises, stop in a safe place and switch off the engine.

Could the water pump be the cause if my engine is overheating?

Yes. It could, but it can also be the thermostat, the radiator, the cooling fan, a leaking hose or the head gasket. That is why we test the whole cooling system. Also read what to do when the engine overheats (in Dutch). Read more about the radiator and a faulty head gasket.

How long does it take to replace a water pump?

That depends on the car. If the pump is on the auxiliary belt and easy to reach, it is less work. If the timing belt has to come off, it is more work. You hear how long it takes for your car when we give you the quote. We call you when the car is ready.

Is there a warranty on the repair?

Yes. Our repairs come with a warranty. When we give you the quote, we tell you which warranty applies. We only start once you agree.

How do I make an appointment?

Call us during opening hours on +31 10 479 00 00 with your registration number. You bring the car in Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am, or on Saturday at 9.00 am. Is the engine overheating and can you not drive any further? Then have your breakdown service bring the car to us. Read how that works if you have a breakdown.

Water pump replacement in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

You will find us at Boterdiep 11 (3077 AW) in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) and exit 24 Rotterdam-Feijenoord on the A16. The A15 is five minutes’ drive away. You can park for free in front of the garage if there is space. The Stadion Feijenoord tram stop (line 3) is nearby.

We are also easy to reach from Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht and Zwijndrecht. We work by appointment. For a quick question or check you can walk in without an appointment.

Plan your route to Boterdiep 11 or see our contact page.

Nederlands? Deze pagina is er ook in het Nederlands.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8.00 to 17.30
Saturday: 9.00 to 15.00
Sunday: closed
We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Want your water pump checked or replaced?

Call us during opening hours with your registration number. For a quick question or check you can walk in without an appointment. You will hear the cost in advance and we only start once you agree.

Our score is 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews. Read what our customers say (in Dutch).

Also see our pages on the timing belt, the radiator, the head gasket and a puddle under the car (in Dutch).