If your vehicle is experiencing problems like low oil pressure, engine overheating, and strange noises, then the problem can be a failing oil pump. It is not easy to diagnose a failing oil pump without the help of a mechanic. We are here to help you understand the oil pump and what can cause problems with it.
So, what can be a symptom of a failing oil pump? If you notice on the dashboard a low oil pressure light, that is almost a sure sign that the oil pump is in trouble. Also, engine overheating, hissing, and whining noises are all symptoms of a failing oil pump.
What can cause an oil pump to fail? What can you do to prevent it? What is the price of the new oil pump? We will answer these, and many more questions regarding an oil pump, just stay with us!
What Are The Symptoms Of A Failing Oil Pump?
If you are unsure if the problem is with the pump, we will explain all the common symptoms of a bad oil pump.
Low Oil Pressure Warning Light On
When the low oil pressure light is up on the dashboard, that can be a symptom of a faulty oil pump. An oil pump is pumping the oil into the system. The oil keeps the moving metal parts properly lubricated with oil. If there is not enough pressure, then the oil cannot lubricate the whole system properly.
Sometimes the problem is in the clogged oil filter, and in other cases, the problem is with the pump. It is a part that has its work life, and when the pump has become worn, it will not work properly.
If the problem is in the pump, be sure to change it as soon as possible. The engine working with the decreased oil pressure can become damaged. A damaged engine is the biggest and the most expensive problem with the car.
If the problem is in old oil or clogged oil filters, replace them immediately. Oil and its filter are part of the regular maintenance. It is important to know the recommended oil change interval and follow it properly.
High Engine Temperature
If the engine temperature gauge is frequently in the red zone, that can be a sure sign of a problem with the oil pump. A defective oil pump cannot pump the oil through the system properly. That leads to high temperatures and overheating of the engine.
That is another major symptom of a malfunctioning oil pump that needs to be taken care of. If it is often going into dangerously high zones, go to the mechanic as soon as possible. The vehicle cannot work with that kind of problem for very long.
Pro Tip: Always keep an eye on the gauge for the engine temperature.
Noisy Valve-Train System
Part of the internal combustion engine system is the valve train system. This system is made of different valves, seals, and rods. Most of these elements are moving metal parts, and they need to be lubricated.
If the oil pump is not working properly, parts of the valve train will create friction, making strange noises. It is easy to recognize these noises because they are created by two metals colliding.
Noisy Oil Pump
It is easy to miss oil pump noise because you need to know where the pump is and listen to it work. In the pump are moving metal parts, which are also making noises. When the oil pump is worn and old, it will create a specific sound.
If you think that there is a problem with an oil pump, check the owner’s manual to see where the pump is. Turn the car on, lift the hood, and try to listen to the pump working. If it is creating unusual noises, that is a sure symptom that it needs replacing.
Noisy Hydraulic Lifters
We earlier mentioned the valve train system and its importance. The car’s hydraulic lifters are an important part that keeps the valve train working properly. Hydraulic lifters are also metal parts that need constant lubrication.
If they are not properly lubricated, they will create an unusual noise that you cannot miss. This doesn’t always mean that the problem is in the oil pump. Sometimes, different types of oil will cause hydraulic lifters to sound differently.
Car Going Into Limp Mode
A limp mode is a feature that most modern cars have. It is activated when the car is having problems with the engine. It is a safety feature, and the engine will produce less power if the oil pump is having problems.
Sometimes the cause for the limp mode is a failing oil pump, but that is not always the case. If the car has major engine problems, it will activate the limp mode. A limp mode is a symptom that you cannot overlook, and you should visit a mechanic.
What Happens When The Oil Pump Fails?
In case the oil pump fails, that will lead to excess engine damage. Without a working oil pump, no lubrication will result in friction between the metal parts. One of the bad oil pump symptoms is just that.
If you let your oil pump completely fail, different car parts will be in trouble. The cylinders and other engine parts will be in trouble. Driving a car with no working pump will result in engine destruction in a very short time.
Check Out Is Your Car in Trouble?: Learn The Symptoms of a Bad Oil Pump:
What Causes Oil Pump Failure?
The most common causes for a defective oil pump are:
- Not maintaining your vehicle. It is essential to replace the oil and its filter regularly. Also, other car parts need to be checked. Without maintenance symptoms of the faulty oil pump will come soon
- The overall wear of the vehicle. Your vehicle will become older and have all its parts with it. The pump is no different. From time to time, even with regular repair, the pump will need to be replaced.
How Do You Check An Oil Pump For Symptoms Of Failure?
If you think that you have a problem with a bad oil pump, you can check on several things:
- Keep an eye on the oil light on the dashboard. Low oil levels and pressure are signs of the oil pump problem. If the warning light comes on, be sure to consult a mechanic
- Check the oil level manually. If you think your automobile is low on oil, you can always check it yourself. Pull out the measuring stick and check if the level is okay. Always double-check for the level, just to be sure.
- Locate and listen to the oil pump. There are many symptoms of a bad oil pump, but suspicious noises are a sure sign. Locate the pump, turn the car, and listen for any noise.
Check Out How to Check if an Oil Pump Is Bad:
How Much Is The Oil Pump Replacement Cost?
Oil pump price depends on the model and the manufacturer. In the table, we presented several common models with their prices.
| Model | Price |
| Dodge Ram 1500 | $890 – $1,070 |
| Chevy 5.3 | $920 – $1,080 |
| Chevy 6.0 | $1,300 – $1,580 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $800 – $870 |
| Ford 6.0 | $1,400 – $1,600 |
Oil Pump Replacement Labor Cost & Other Fees
Since it takes several hours to replace the pump, the labor costs are between $200 and $300.
How To Change a Failed Oil Pump?
This assignment can be difficult, so we recommend the mechanic’s help. Either way, we will briefly explain how to replace the old pump.
- Prepare the vehicle. Park the car on a level surface and set the emergency brake. For extra safety, place wheel chocks behind the front wheels.
- Use the jack to lift the vehicle. Remove the wheels.
- Disconnect the negative side of the battery.
- Drain all the oil.
- Remove the oil pan. It is held in place with bolts. Unscrew them, then remove the pan. In some cars, you will need to remove the exhaust to be able to reach the pan.
- Remove the gasket. This can be tricky because you should not damage the pan.
- Remove the pump. To do this, first remove the rear bearing cap bolt. After this, you can remove the pump and the drive shaft.
- Install the new pump. Place it in the right position together with the drive shaft. The drive shaft needs to engage into the drive gear. Now install the rear bearing cap bolt.
- Return the pan, fill the engine with oil, and remove the car from the jack.
Tips To Maintain Your Oil Pump
You can do several things to your car that will keep your oil pump working longer and better.
- Replace oil and filters regularly. This way, you are keeping the whole system well-lubricated, and your car will thank you.
- Choose quality oil. Don’t go for the cheapest oil for your car. Higher quality oil brings better performance and overall better engine health.
- Maintain the oil pump. Oil pumps also have maintenance. Keeping them well-kept will save you a lot of money, and your car will run better.
- Don’t forget your oil level. Always monitor the oil level gauge. Check the level manually, and always add enough oil. Low oil levels lead to numerous engine and oil pump problems.
- Keep an eye on the oil pressure gauge. The low oil pressure will cause problems for the engine’s moving parts. For an oil pump to function properly, it needs to create proper oil pressure.
FAQs
How Long Will an Oil Pump Last?
With regular maintenance, it can last between 60,000 and 70,000 miles. With that being said, that includes regular oil and filter changes. Also, quality oil will bring extra longevity to these car parts.
Like with other vehicle parts, how much you invest and maintain it, so it will serve you. When you go to the mechanic, don’t forget the oil pump. Its components are prone to wear, and they also need replacement.
How does a bad oil pump sound?
It will produce a whining sound while it tries to distribute oil to all parts of the engine. If the pump works okay, you will hardly hear it, so any different sound is sometimes the first sign of the problem.
Can you drive with a bad oil pump?
You can drive with a bad oil pump for some time, which will cause several problems. Driving like that for too long can damage the crankshaft, camshaft bearings, and hydraulic lifters.
What is the location of the car engine oil pump?
The pump location is right in front of the crankshaft and bolted to the engine’s front.
Final Considerations
An oil pump is the heart of the engine. The oil for the motor is like blood for a living creature. The system cannot function without lubricant, and the engine will fail. It is fairly simple to avoid this. Keep your engine and pump well-maintained. Change oil and filters regularly. Always keep an eye on the instruments and warning lights. Keep an ear on any new noise.
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