What pump to put on the car

Which pump is better? This question is asked by drivers who need to replace this node. Typically, the choice of a water pump for a car is based on several parameters - the material or shape of the impeller and the manufacturer. That's just with the manufacturers, often, and there are questions. At the end of the material, a rating of machine pumps is presented, compiled solely on the experience and feedback of car owners.

What are the pumps

The tasks of the machine pump (pump) are as follows:

• constantly maintain a stable temperature throughout the vehicle's internal combustion engine cooling system;
• equalize sudden temperature jumps in the cooling system (this eliminates the effect of "thermal shock" with a sudden change, usually an increase, in the engine speed);
• ensure the constant movement of antifreeze through the internal combustion engine cooling system (this not only provides engine cooling, but also allows the stove to work normally).

Regardless of the model of the car and the motor, these units are structurally similar to each other, they differ only in size, mounting method, and most importantly in performance and type of impeller. However, they are usually divided into only two categories - with a plastic and metal impeller. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Which pump impeller is better

Most modern pumps have a plastic impeller. Its advantages lie in its lower mass compared to metal, and hence less inertia. Accordingly, the internal combustion engine needs to spend less energy to spin the impeller. Often, so-called turbo pumps have a plastic impeller. And they have a closed design.

However, plastic impellers also have disadvantages. One of them is that over time, under the influence of high temperatures of antifreeze, the shape of the blades changes, which leads to a deterioration in the efficiency of the impeller (that is, the entire pump). In addition, the blades can simply wear out over time or even break off the stem and scroll. This is especially true for inexpensive water pumps.

As for the iron impeller, its only drawback is that it has a large inertia. That is, the internal combustion engine spends more energy to spin it up, namely, at the time of launch. But it has a large resource, practically does not wear out over time, does not change the shape of the blades. In some cases, it is noted that if the pump is cheap / poor quality, then rust or large pockets of corrosion may form on the blades over time. Especially if low-quality antifreeze is used, or ordinary water (with a high salt content) is used instead.

Therefore, it is up to the car owner to decide which pump to choose. In fairness, it should be noted that most modern foreign cars have a pump with a plastic impeller. However, they are made with high quality, and over time they are not erased and do not change their shape.

When choosing a pump, you also need to pay attention to the height of the impeller. From general considerations, we can say that the smaller the gap between the block and the impeller, the better. The lower the impeller, the lower the performance, and vice versa. And if the performance is low, then this will not only lead to problems with engine cooling (especially at high speeds of its operation), but also to problems in the operation of the interior stove.

Also, when choosing a pump, you should always pay attention to the seal and bearing. The first should provide reliable sealing, and the second should work smoothly at any speed and for as long as possible. in order to extend the life of the oil seal, you need to use high-quality antifreeze, which includes grease for the oil seal.

Most often, the pump housing for cars is made of aluminum. This is due to the fact that it is easier to manufacture parts of complex shape with complex technological requirements from this material. Water pumps for trucks are often made of cast iron, as they are designed for low speeds, but it is important to maintain a long service life of the device.

Signs of a pump breakdown

If the pump is not working, what signs indicate this? Let's list them in order:

• frequent overheating of the internal combustion engine, especially in the warm season;
• violation of the tightness of the pump, drips of coolant will be visible from under its housing (this is especially clearly visible when antifreeze with a fluorescent element is used);
• the smell of grease flowing from under the water pump bearing;
• a sharp sound that comes from the pump bearing impeller;
• the stove in the cabin stopped working, provided that the internal combustion engine was warmed up.

The listed signs indicate that the pump needs to be changed unscheduled, and the sooner the better, because if it jams, you will also have to change the timing belt. and even the engine repair may be needed. In parallel with this, it is necessary to carry out additional diagnostics in order to check the condition of other elements of the internal combustion engine cooling system.

Causes of pump failure

The reasons for the partial or complete failure of the pump may be:

• impeller breakage;
• a large backlash of the pump mounting on its seat;
• jamming of working bearings;
• reduction in the density of sealed joints due to vibration;
• original defect of the product;
• poor quality installation.

machine water pumps are non-repairable, therefore, in the vast majority of cases, a car enthusiast is forced to face the issue of completely replacing the pump with a new one.

When to change the pump

It is interesting that in the documentation of many cars, including imported ones, there is no direct indication of what mileage to install a new cooling system pump. Therefore, there are two ways to act. The first is to carry out a scheduled replacement along with the timing belt, the second is to change the pump when it partially fails. However, the first option is more suitable, since it will keep the internal combustion engine in working condition.

The service life of the machine pump depends on the operating conditions of the vehicle. namely, the factors that lead to the reduction of this period are:

• operation of the internal combustion engine in conditions of extreme temperatures (heat and excessive frost), as well as a sharp drop in this temperature;
• poor-quality installation of the water pump (pump);
• lack or vice versa excess lubrication in the pump bearings;
• the use of low-quality antifreeze or antifreeze, corrosion of pump elements by coolants.

Accordingly, in order to extend the service life of the specified unit, it is necessary to monitor its condition and the state of the internal combustion engine cooling system.

Replacement frequency

As for the planned replacement of the machine pump, the frequency of its replacement in many cars is simply not indicated in the technical documentation. Therefore, most motorists perform a scheduled replacement every 60 ... 90 thousand kilometers, which corresponds to the planned replacement of the timing belt. Accordingly, you can change them in pairs.

In the second case, if a better pump and a lower quality belt are used, then the replacement can be carried out as follows - one pump replacement for two timing belt replacements (after about 120 ... 180 thousand kilometers). However, you need to carefully examine the state of one and the other node. Along with replacing the strap and pump, it is also worth replacing the guide rollers (if you buy them as a set, it will be cheaper).

What pump to put

The choice of which pump to put will depend, among other things, on logistics, namely. However, there are a number of manufacturers that are ubiquitous, and most domestic motorists use their products. the following is such a list, compiled solely on reviews and tests found on the Internet for individual machine pumps. The rating does not advertise any of the brands listed in it.

Metelli

The Italian company Metelli SpA produces a variety of auto parts, including machine pumps. The products of this company are sold in more than 90 countries around the world, which indicates the high quality of its quality. The pumps are supplied both to the secondary market (as a replacement for failed components) and as original ones (installed on a car from the assembly line). All products of the company comply with the international quality standard ISO 9002. At present, the main production facilities of the company are located in Poland. Interestingly, many auto parts, including pumps, manufactured under the brands of such well-known auto manufacturers as Peugeot, GM, Ferrari, Fiat, Iveco, Maseratti and others are manufactured by Metelli. Therefore, their quality is top notch. In addition, it is noted that the products of this brand are rarely faked. But still it is worth paying attention to the quality of packaging and other precautions.

Feedback from car owners and craftsmen who used Metelli pumps is mostly positive. There is an actual absence of marriage, very good processing of the metal of the impeller, the durability of the device. In the original kit, in addition to the pump, there is also a gasket.

A significant advantage of Metelli machine pumps is their relatively low price with very good workmanship. So, the cheapest pump as of the beginning of 2019 costs about 1100 rubles.

SWEET

The Dolz trademark belongs to the Spanish company Dolz SA, which has been operating since 1934. The company specializes exclusively in the production of machine pumps for cooling systems, both for cars and trucks, as well as for special equipment. Naturally, with such a point approach, the company produces extremely high-quality spare parts under its own brand. Dolz was one of the first to start producing aluminum pumps, which not only reduced the weight of this unit, but also made the cooling system work more technologically advanced.

The company's products cover up to 98% of the European market of auto manufacturers, and are also exported overseas. namely, the product has a Q1 Quality Award certificate and applies to cars manufactured by Ford. Quite often, Dolz products can be packed in boxes from other packaging companies. So if you have such information, you can buy a high-quality machine pump also cheaper.

The reliability of Dolz water pumps is particularly distinguished by the quality of the impeller. This is ensured by the use of special aluminum casting and assembly mechanization. An additional advantage is that they are practically not counterfeited. So, the originals are sold in branded packaging marked TecDoc, and at the same time its geometry is perfectly observed. If a fake is found on sale, then it will cost a little money, while the original Dolz pumps are quite expensive. This is their indirect disadvantage, although their service life eliminates it.

The price of the cheapest pump of the mentioned brand as of the above period is about 1000 rubles (for the classic Zhiguli).

SKF

SKF is from Sweden. It produces a wide variety of products, including water pumps. However, the company's production facilities are located in many countries of the world, namely Ukraine, China, Russian Federation, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, India and some European countries. Accordingly, the country of origin may be indicated on the packaging differently.

SKF machine pumps are of the highest quality, and serve motorists for an extremely long time. Judging by the reviews found on the Internet, it is not uncommon for the pump to be changed after 120 ... 130 thousand kilometers, and they do this only for preventive purposes, changing the timing belt. Accordingly, SKF water pumps are fully recommended for use on any vehicles for which they are intended.

An indirect disadvantage of this manufacturer is a large number of counterfeit products. Accordingly, before buying, you need to check the appearance of the pump. So, on its packaging there must be a factory stamp and marking. This is a must! At the same time, the quality of printing on the packaging must be high, no errors in the description are allowed.

Hepu

The HEPU trademark, under which popular machine water pumps are produced, belongs to the IPD GmbH concern. The company is engaged in the production of various elements of the car cooling system. So, she has several of her own laboratories, where research is carried out to improve their own products. This resulted in an advantage in resistance to corrosion, as well as other negative external factors. Thanks to this, pumps and other elements serve as long as possible with the declared parameters.

Real tests and reviews show that the pumps of the HEPU trademark are for the most part quite high-quality, and go up to 60 ... 80 thousand kilometers without problems. However, it is necessary to take into account the operating conditions of the car, namely, the antifreeze used, the belt tension. Occasionally there are shortcomings in the form of a small backlash or poorly lubricated bearing. However, these are isolated cases that generally do not affect the picture.

Thus, HEPU pumps are quite recommended for use on domestic and foreign cars of the middle price range. They combine good value for money. As of the beginning of 2019, the cheapest HEPU water pump has a price of about 1100 rubles.

BOSCH batteries and motors

Bosch needs no introduction, as it is an industrial giant producing a wide variety of machine parts, including machine parts. Bosch pumps are installed on many European and some Asian cars. Please note that Bosch has its production facilities almost all over the world, respectively, on the packaging of a particular pump there may be information about its production in various countries. At the same time, it is noted that pumps (as well as other spare parts) produced in the territory of the Russian Federation or other post-Soviet countries are of lower quality. To a large extent, this is due to the fact that in these countries there are not such strict quality standards as in the European Union. Accordingly, if you want to buy a Bosch water pump, then it is advisable to buy a product made abroad.

Reviews about BOSCH pumps are very controversial. The fact is that they are often faked, and recognizing a fake can be very difficult. Therefore, the choice of the original product must be carefully made, and it must be installed and operated only in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. In this case, the pump will last on the car for a long time.

Among the shortcomings of these pumps, one can note the high price (the minimum price for the above period is from 3000 rubles and more), as well as their absence in stores. That is, they are often brought to order.

VALEO

Valeo is known worldwide as a manufacturer of a wide variety of machine parts. Their clients are such well-known automakers as BMW, Ford, General Motors. Valeo water pumps are sold both to the primary (as an original, for example, Volkswagen) and to the secondary market (aftermarket). And often the pump is sold complete with a timing belt and rollers. When installing them, it is noted that the resource of such a kit can be up to 180 thousand kilometers. Therefore, subject to the purchase of the original product, such pumps are definitely recommended for use.

Valeo's production facilities are located in 20 countries around the world, including the Russian Federation. Accordingly, for domestic cars it is worth making a choice of products manufactured at the corresponding plant in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

The disadvantages of Valeo products are traditional - a high price for the average consumer and a large number of fake products. So, the cheapest pumps "Valeo" cost from 2500 rubles and more. As for the fake, it is better to make purchases at specialized Valeo outlets.

GMB

The large Japanese company GMB is not the last in the ranking of manufacturers of various machine parts. In addition to pumps, they produce fan clutches, machine suspension elements, bearings, timing rollers. Vedus cooperation with companies such as Delphi, DAYCO, Koyo, INA. According to customer reviews, GMB pumps can last from 120 thousand kilometers to 180 thousand, while the price is quite affordable, within 2500 rubles.

As with all companies that produce a quality product, there are often fakes that lower the overall rating of the manufacturer and spoil the reputation. One of the essential methods for determining whether a pump from a given manufacturer is a fake is to carefully study the box and the labels on it. Often spelled not GMB, but GWB. also study its design and workmanship (the blades of the fake and the original differ in shape, and the markings are cast).

The GMB pump is popular not only with the owners of Toyota, Honda and Nissan, for whose conveyor assembly they are supplied, but also with Hyundai, Lanos. They compete with other quality goods due to the price, because the production is in China, and at the same time they write JAPAN on the box (which does not violate the law, because it is not Made in Japan, and few people pay attention to this). So if the assembly is done better, then the analogues can also come across a hack from Chinese factories.

LAZAR

The Luzar trademark belongs to the Lugansk Aircraft Repair Plant. The company is engaged in the production of spare parts for car cooling systems. Under the Luzar trademark, inexpensive, but sufficiently high-quality water pumps are produced for cooling systems of European and Asian cars. namely, many domestic owners of the VAZ-Lada use these particular products. This is due to their wide range and low price. For example, a pump for front-wheel drive VAZs at the beginning of 2019 costs about 1000 ... 1700 rubles, which is one of the lowest indicators on the market. The plant produces licensed products that have international quality certificates.

Real reviews show that Luzar machine pumps do not work as long as it is indicated in the manufacturer's advertising leaflets. However, for car owners of VAZs and other domestic cars, Luzar pumps will be quite a good solution, especially if the internal combustion engine already has significant mileage and / or wear.

FENOX

Fenox production facilities are located in Belarus, Russia and Germany. The range of produced spare parts is quite wide, among them there are elements of the car cooling system. The advantages of produced Fenox water pumps are as follows:

• The use of a modern carbon-ceramic CarMic + seal, which guarantees complete tightness and avoids leakage even if there is play in the bearing. This feature can increase the total life of the pump by 40%.
• A multi-bladed impeller with a system of additional blades - Multi-Blade Impeller (abbreviated as MBI), as well as compensation holes, reduces the axial load on the bearing shaft and sealing assembly. This approach increases the resource and improves the performance of the pump. The special shape of the impeller blades eliminates the possibility of cavitation (low pressure zones).
• Use of high temperature sealant. It prevents leakage of coolant through the press connection of the seal to the housing.
• Injection molding. namely, the aluminum alloy die casting method is used for the manufacture of the body. This technology eliminates the appearance of casting defects.
• The use of reinforced double row bearings of a closed type. They are able to withstand significant static and dynamic loads.

The number of fake Fenox water pumps is not very large. This is due, among other things, to the low price of the product. But still, when buying, you must definitely check the quality of the pump itself. namely, it is imperative to look at the quality of the casting, as well as the presence of factory markings both on the package and on the product itself. However, this sometimes does not save, as sometimes it simply comes across a marriage, the timing belt slips from its gear. Of the advantages, it is worth noting the low prices. For example, a pump for a VAZ car will cost from 700 rubles and more.

To summarize, a table was formed with rating indicators for the average rating of reviews taken from PartReview and the average price.

Manufacturer	Features
Reviews	Average rating (5 point scale)	Price, rubles
Metelli	Long lasting, made with quality material	3.5	1100
SWEET	Not famous for high mileage, but have affordable prices	3.4	1000
SKF	Travel 120 km or longer, meet price/quality standards	3.6	3200
Hepu	Silent pumps, and the price corresponds to the quality	3.6	1100
BOSCH batteries and motors	They serve about 5-8 years without noise and leakage. The cost is justified by the quality	4.0	3500
VALEO	Serve about 3-4 years (70 km each)	4.0	2800
GMB	Long lines of service if this is an original part (there are many fakes). Delivered to the conveyor assembly of many Japanese cars	3.6	2500
LAZAR	They work stably up to 60 km mileage and at the same time at an affordable price, but marriage often occurs	3.4	1300
FENOX	The price corresponds to the quality and the estimated mileage of about 3 years	3.4	800

Hack and predictor Aviator

The water pump of the cooling system, or pump, is a fairly reliable and durable unit. However, it is advisable to change it periodically to avoid more serious problems with VCM in the long run. As for the choice of a particular pump, then first of all you need to be guided by the recommendations of the car manufacturer. This applies to its technical parameters, performance, dimensions. As for manufacturers, you should not buy frankly cheap products. It is better to purchase parts from the middle or higher price segment, provided that they are original. What brands of pumps do you install on your car? Share this information in the comments.