Water pump

[Tom Dunn]

If you need to replace your water pump, do you pay the tall coin for a brand new unit or go with a re-built? I was checking prices on the NAPA site and the difference is substantial.

[idosubaru]

if you're not concerned with cost, go with the new one. or if you're paying someone else to do it, then a new one might make you feel better. the real question is, are the new ones more reliable? they start as parts and then they are assembled. a proper rebuild should follow the same assembly and should be just as reliable. my guess is that some rebuilders cut corners though.

 

personally i'd get a rebuilt unit. i've never had one fail. but i did avoid buying the 8.99 subaru XT6 water pump. it might be great, but that just seems rediculously cheap. you could research a little on the internet, some companies are probably better rebuilders than others. rebuild, remanufacture, refurbish...they can have different ways of doing it. i'd like one that has been mic'ed and everything replaced, not just the out of spec or damaged parts.

 

the EA82's are super simple to work on if that's what you got. i'd definitely go with a rebuilt one and replace it next time i did the timing belts as well.

[BigMattyD]

You can get a brand new OEM (no question about quality) water pump from 1stsubaruparts.com for $64.00 for a 96 Legacy.

 

The local auto parts store charges as much or more for other brands new, and about 25 bucks less for remanufactured.

 

If you like your car, and plan to keep it for a long time, buy OEM and also replace the thermostat and hoses as well. If you don't plan on keeping the car for more than a couple years, maybe you can save a few bucks buying remanufactured or another brand..

 

That's the criteria I usually use when buying important parts for my engine.

 

Matt