oil pump replacement

What does an oil pump do?

The purpose of the oil pump is to circulate oil under pressure from the oil pan into the car’s oil circuit. This oil is needed to lubricate parts like the rotating bearings, sliding pistons and camshaft where constant, fluid movement is essential.

Although primarily used for lubrication, pressurised oil also helps to cool parts of the engine where friction can be an issue. Because oil and lubrication are so important to the smooth running of your car, even the slightest dip in oil pressure can have a noticeable effect on the reliability of your car.

Malfunctioning oil pumps can be hard to detect, so you should always have your pump inspected as soon as possible when the low oil pressure light begins to flicker on your dashboard. Your oil pump is an integral part of your vehicle's engine performance, and if it fails it could cause serious damage to your car.

How often should an oil pump need replacing?

Like most car parts, your oil pump will experience wear and tear and will eventually have to be replaced. In a properly maintained and regularly serviced vehicle, your oil pump should last somewhere between 60,000 and 70,000 miles.

Additionally, there are numerous other reasons why an oil pump might fail and need to be replaced. The most obvious reason is general wear and tear over time. Low engine oil levels can also result in insufficient lubrication which causes issues for the pump. Infrequent oil changes and contaminated oil can also cause the pump to malfunction. Dirt and debris in the oil can wreak havoc on the engine and the oil pump.

Malfunctioning oil pumps can be hard to detect, so you should always have your pump inspected as soon as possible when the low oil pressure light begins to flicker on your dashboard. Your oil pump is an integral part of your vehicle's engine performance, and if it fails it could cause serious damage to your car.

What happens during an oil pump replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Safely raise your vehicle

• Drain the oil from your engine and pump

• Remove the oil sump pan

• Replace the oil pump and re-assemble the other components

• Add fresh engine oil and fit a new oil filter

• They will run the engine check the oil pressure and inspect the engine for leaks

What causes an oil pump to break?

There are numerous reasons why an oil pump might fail. The most obvious reason is general wear and tear over time. Low engine oil levels can also result in insufficient lubrication which causes issues for the pump. Infrequent oil changes and contaminated oil can also cause the pump to malfunction. Dirt and debris in the oil can wreak havoc on the engine and the oil pump.

What are the symptoms of a bad oil pump?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• Low oil pressure (this could be indicated by your engine warning light)

• Increased engine operating temperature

• Tapping or pinging noises coming from the engine

How often should you replace your oil pump?

You should replace your oil pump if it starts showing signs of wear. In a properly maintained and regularly serviced vehicle, your oil pump should last somewhere between 60,000 and 70,000 miles.

What happens during an oil pump replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Safely raise your vehicle

• Drain the oil from your engine and pump

• Remove the oil sump pan

• Replace the oil pump and re-assemble the other components

• Add fresh engine oil and fit a new oil filter

• They will run the engine check the oil pressure and inspect the engine for leaks

What is the average life of an oil pump?

In a properly maintained and regularly serviced vehicle, your oil pump should last somewhere between 60,000 and 70,000 miles.

Can you drive with a broken oil pump?

You should avoid driving with a bad oil pump. If oil is not constantly being pumped to the parts of the engine that need lubrication, they will overheat and in extreme cases your whole engine could seize. To avoid serious and expensive damage to your engine you should have the oil pump looked at as soon as you notice an issue.

Do oil pumps deteriorate with age?

Like most car parts, your oil pump will experience wear and tear and will eventually have to be replaced. In a properly maintained and regularly serviced vehicle, your oil pump should last somewhere between 60,000 and 70,000 miles.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

Your oil pump is not specifically checked as part of an MOT test, however if the car has low oil levels the tester may issue an advisory. For your safety (and your wallet!) it's best to regularly service your vehicle and have the oil pump checked if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.