Water Pump price difference

[XtraRevsSurely]

One of cars is an 06 Chrysler Pacifica. OEM Chrysler water pumps are near $90 while aftermarket Gates/Dayco/ACDelco are near $50. Do you get what you pay for with water pumps or are the aftermarket ones equal to OEM?

I'm trying to decide in the next year if it's wiser to replace the timing belt/wp/tensioner/serp belt or sell and buy a minivan (Grand Caravan or Town and Country).

 

[The_Jeff]

Do the required maintenance for sure! What is it like $500-600?

 

[The Critic]

I would not trust those aftermarket water pumps for 100k, if timing belt removal is required for its replacement. Spend the extra $50 so you will not have to worry about it failing halfway through.

 

[NHGUY]

Keep the Pacifica.Its a unique vehicle,very pricey when new.They have always seemed like very good handling rigs,very much unlike the common SUV.

 

[XtraRevsSurely]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Do the required maintenance for sure! What is it like $500-600?


My mechanic estimated $400 parts/labor. I think that's for the timing belt component kit that has the aftermarket water pump included. Also replacing the idler pulley and serpentine belt.

If I get it done and keep it I'd like to buy the parts I want and just pay labor!

 

[Jimmy9190]

I put a Duralast water pump on my truck a couple of years ago. It only cost $58.00 and is made right here in the USA. It has been doing fine, no trouble at all from it. Some aftermarket parts may not be very good quality but my water pump is a good one.

I vote for keeping the Pacifica and keeping it in good shape with regular maintenance. Spending money on a regular maintenance and a repair now and then is much better than paying a big car payment every month. I would not like being in debt.

 

[marc1]

Originally Posted By: XtraRevsSurely
OEM Chrysler water pumps are near $90 while aftermarket Gates/Dayco/ACDelco are near $50. Do you get what you pay for with water pumps or are the aftermarket ones equal to OEM?


I will hazard a guess that the OEM one is brand new and for sure the aftermarket ones will be rebuilt. I have personally never had a problem with a rebuilt water pump. I replaced the OE one in my ex-1996 Chevrolet K1500 at 80k and the reman pump was fine for the rest of the vehicle life until I sold it 8 years later. I have a rebuilt water pump in my GTO that is now 14 years old (installed in 1998), no sign of trouble.

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: NHGUY
Keep the Pacifica.Its a unique vehicle,very pricey when new.They have always seemed like very good handling rigs,very much unlike the common SUV.


I agree. I liked those a lot when they came out.

 

[Jimmy9190]

The Duralast water pump I put on my truck was new, not rebuilt. I did check at the Dodge dealer and they did not have my pump in stock, and I needed it that same day. That is another reason I went with Duralast.

 

[exranger06]

I went through 2 Gates water pumps on my Explorer before I spent over 3 times as much on a Motorcraft one. I've had the Motorcraft on for over a year now and no more problems. Worth every penny.

 

[andyd]

I have had great luck with GMB pumps for my BMWs 40$ and they last through 2 timing belts.

 

[mattd]

spend the $ on the OEM waterpump.

 

[XtraRevsSurely]

I figured OEM was the safest option. I was probably be anxious driving after installing a aftermarket one anyway.

The more logically I think about it the more it makes sence keep the Pacifica. I don't like the idea of more payments and the cost to replace the timing belt is manageable.

 

[mechtech2]

You just figured out dealer parts are legal robbery?

 

[artificialist]

GMB is good. Beck/Arnley is usually the factory part at a lower price.

I find that most other replacement water pumps are made in China, and are built cheaply.