5 Best Water Pumps for 5.7 HEMI Engines (Fix Overheating & Coolant Leak

If your 5.7 HEMI has started creeping past normal temp, losing coolant for “no clear reason,” or leaving that sweet-smelling puddle under the front bumper — I’ll be straight with you: your water pump is already on borrowed time.

I’ve seen this engine in RAM 1500s, Durangos, Chargers, and Aspen SUVs come into shops with the same story again and again — bearing noise, seal failure, slow leaks that turn into full overheating on the highway. And here’s the brutal truth most blogs won’t tell you: not every “replacement” pump is built to survive real heat cycles, towing loads, or daily stop-and-go abuse.

That’s why we spent days digging through real-world mechanic feedback, failure reports, fitment data, gasket quality, bearing design, and OEM cross-reference numbers to find what actually works — not what just looks good on Amazon listings.

Out of everything available online right now, Gates 43543 Premium Engine Water Pump and the AULINK AW6341 / 53022192AE OEM-Style Water Pump clearly stood above the rest. These two deliver the most consistent cooling flow, better shaft sealing, and longer bearing life — the exact things that stop repeat overheating and coolant loss.

Below, you’ll find the 5 water pumps that actually make sense for 5.7 HEMI owners — whether you daily drive, tow trailers, idle in traffic, or just want a bolt-on fix that doesn’t fail again in 12 months. No hype. No brand bias. Just parts that keep your HEMI running cool and alive.

Let’s get into it.

Best Water Pump Replacements for 5.7 HEMI Engines (OEM & Aftermarket Picks)

#1. Gates 43543 Premium Engine Water Pump
Best Overall Replacement for 5.7 HEMI (OEM-Level Reliability)

#2. 53022192AE / AW6341 OEM-Style Water Pump (AULINK)
Best OEM-Style Direct Fit for Factory Cooling Performance

#3. OAW CR4430 Water Pump for 5.7L V8 HEMI
Best Budget-Friendly Upgrade for Stock Engines

#4. LEAPTIGER Engine Water Pump Kit (AW6341 / 68346912AA Replacement)
Best Complete Kit Option (Pump + Gasket Bundle)

#5. A-Premium Engine Water Pump with Gasket (8Cyl 5.7L OHV)
Best Value Pick for Daily Driving & Light Towing

Expert Mechanic Tip (Read This Before You Install Any 5.7 HEMI Water Pump)

Here’s something most guides won’t tell you — and it’s the difference between a pump that lasts 8 months and one that runs 80,000+ miles:

On the 5.7 HEMI, water pump failures are rarely caused by the pump alone. They’re usually killed by bad coolant flow habits and improper torque sequencing.

When installing any of the pumps above (especially Gates 43543 or OEM-style AW6341 units), always do this:

• Flush the cooling system completely before installing the new pump. Old coolant carries aluminum corrosion particles that destroy new mechanical seals within weeks.
• Never dry-seat the gasket. Lightly coat the gasket with fresh coolant or a thin film of RTV only at factory seam joints — not the entire surface. Full RTV jobs trap heat and warp housings.
• Torque bolts in a crisscross pattern and stop at factory spec (not impact gun “tight”). The HEMI timing cover is aluminum — over-torque it once and you’ll create micro warping that causes slow leaks months later.
• Bleed air pockets properly. The 5.7 HEMI traps air near the thermostat housing. If you skip bleeding, you’ll get hot spots that make the pump cavitate and chew up the bearing.

Real shop reality:
Most “bad replacement pump” complaints I see are actually install mistakes, air pockets, or dirty coolant systems — not defective parts.

Do it right once, and even budget pumps can survive years. Do it wrong, and even a premium Gates unit will fail early.

That’s the difference between throwing parts at a problem… and fixing it like a professional.

Also Check:

• Best Spark Plugs for 5.7 Hemi
• Best Long Tube Headers for 5.7 Hemi
• Best Oil for Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Engine

#1. Gates 43543 Premium Engine Water Pump

Gates didn’t build the 43543 to be flashy — they built it to behave like a factory pump. The metal housing feels dense in hand (not thin cast junk), the bearing preload is tight out of the box, and the impeller design keeps coolant flow stable at highway RPM. On 5.7 HEMI applications (Charger, Commander, Chrysler 300, RAM setups), this pump bolts on clean with zero alignment drama — pulley sits straight, belt tracks correctly, and the gasket surface matches OEM machining tolerances. That’s a big deal because HEMI timing covers don’t forgive sloppy castings.

Now let’s talk reality, not marketing. While many owners report smooth operation and strong cooling performance, there are mixed durability experiences. Some users saw early weep-hole leaks between 8–17 months, and a few extreme cases failed much sooner. In the shop world, this usually traces back to dirty coolant systems, trapped air pockets, or over-torqued aluminum housings — not always the pump itself. Installed correctly with a clean system, the Gates 43543 still delivers OE-level cooling flow, quiet bearing operation, and stable pressure under load. That’s why it continues to be one of the most commonly installed replacements on 5.7 HEMI engines.

Why It Makes Sense for Most 5.7 HEMI Owners

• True OE-style bolt-on fitment — Pulley alignment stays correct, belt runs straight, and there’s no need for spacer tricks or adjustment hacks during install.
• Pressure-tested seals and pre-loaded bearings — Helps prevent early coolant seepage and reduces the chances of startup noise or wobble after installation.
• All-metal housing construction — Handles heat cycling better than thin cast alternatives, especially in traffic driving and towing conditions.
• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty — Adds long-term value and peace of mind if anything goes wrong down the road.

Pro Mechanic Tip: Before bolting this pump on, check the pulley hub depth and belt alignment with a straight edge — not by eye. On 5.7 HEMI setups, even a 1–2 mm misalignment can slowly kill the bearing and cause premature seal leaks. I always spin the pump by hand after mounting and watch the belt track for 30 seconds before final torque.

Simple step. Massive lifespan difference.

#2. 53022192AE / AW6341 OEM-Style Water Pump Replacement (AULINK)

This pump exists for one reason — to mimic factory cooling behavior without factory pricing. The AULINK AW6341 isn’t trying to be “performance upgraded.” Instead, it sticks closely to OE flow geometry, shaft length, and pulley alignment specs. That’s why owners running 2009–2020 RAM 1500s, Durango 5.7 HEMI, and Chrysler Aspen report near-perfect bolt-on installs. The casting weight alone tells you it’s not hollow-budget junk. Once mounted, the pulley sits square, belt tension stays correct, and the pump spins smooth with no dry bearing noise out of the box.

Where this pump really earns respect is installation consistency. Multiple users mention completing installs in under 45 minutes with zero leaks — which usually only happens when gasket tolerances and bolt hole alignment are right. Cooling performance stays stable under normal driving and highway loads, making it a strong pick for daily-driven HEMI trucks and SUVs. It doesn’t try to reinvent cooling — it simply restores your system back to factory-level reliability, which is exactly what most owners want when overheating and coolant loss are already causing headaches.

Why It Makes Sense for Most 5.7 HEMI Owners

• OEM-matching fitment geometry — Pulley alignment and belt tracking stay factory-correct with no adjustment issues.
• Includes all required gaskets and seals — No extra trips to the parts store mid-install.
• TS16949 manufacturing standard — Tighter quality control than generic aftermarket pumps.
• Strong value pricing — Often costs nearly half of dealership alternatives while maintaining OE-style performance.

Pro Mechanic Tip: Before installing this pump, clean the timing cover surface with brake cleaner and a plastic scraper — not metal. Even tiny gasket residue on the HEMI timing cover can cause slow seepage that shows up weeks later. I also recommend installing bolts hand-tight first, then torquing evenly in stages. It prevents housing distortion and keeps the seal seated properly.

Clean surface. Even torque. No comebacks.

#3. OAW CR4430 Water Pump for 5.7L V8 HEMI

The OAW CR4430 is popular for one simple reason — it gives OEM-style fit with smarter hardware choices. Right out of the box, you’ll notice the aluminum housing keeps weight down while maintaining structural rigidity, and the metal impeller is a clear upgrade over the factory plastic design that tends to fatigue under repeated heat cycles. The pre-installed pulley wheel saves alignment time, which matters on the HEMI layout where belt tracking tolerance is tight.

On 2009–2018 RAM trucks, this pump installs clean with minimal adjustment. Bolt holes line up, gasket surface seats flat, and the impeller clearance is consistent — meaning you don’t get that annoying “drag” feel when spinning the pump by hand before startup. Cooling flow remains stable under normal driving and light towing, making this a strong option for daily-driven trucks that don’t need performance racing upgrades but still demand reliability. While a small number of long-term users mention wear after 3+ years, most feedback points to solid build quality and dependable everyday performance, especially at its price point.

Why It Makes Sense for Most 5.7 HEMI Owners

• Metal impeller design — Handles heat and RPM stress better than factory plastic units.
• Pulley pre-installed from factory — Reduces install time and prevents alignment guesswork.
• OE-style aluminum housing — Maintains proper fit while keeping overall weight balanced.
• Excellent value pricing — Delivers factory-level cooling performance without dealer costs.

Pro Mechanic Tip: Before tightening the pulley bolts, rotate the pump fully by hand and listen for any micro scraping or resistance. If it doesn’t spin smooth and silent, stop and realign. On 5.7 HEMI engines, even slight pulley misalignment can cause belt chirping and early bearing wear. Two minutes of checking here saves months of trouble later.

#4. LEAPTIGER Engine Water Pump Kit (AW6341 / 68346912AA Replacement)

The LEAPTIGER kit is built for owners who want everything in one box and no installation guesswork. Instead of reusing old gaskets or hunting down seal kits, this setup comes complete — pump, sealing hardware, and OE-style mounting dimensions already matched for the 5.7 HEMI platform. The titanium-based construction gives the housing extra rigidity under heat cycling, which matters on HEMI engines that regularly see wide temperature swings in traffic and towing conditions.

What stands out most in real use is how installation-friendly this kit is. The bolt holes line up clean, gasket fitment seats properly on the timing cover, and the pump spins smooth out of the box with consistent bearing resistance — no dry “gritty” feel. Cooling performance stays steady during daily driving and highway runs, making this kit a practical solution for owners fixing overheating or coolant seepage without wanting to mix and match parts from different brands. It’s not marketed as a racing upgrade — it’s built to restore reliable factory-style cooling with fewer install headaches.

Why It Makes Sense for Most 5.7 HEMI Owners

• Complete pump + gasket package — No reused seals, no last-minute parts store runs.
• Titanium-reinforced housing — Better resistance to heat fatigue and long-term warping.
• Direct OEM replacement geometry — Maintains factory belt alignment and coolant flow behavior.
• Strong warranty coverage — 1-year protection with refund backup adds buying confidence.

Pro Mechanic Tip: When installing this kit, lightly lubricate the gasket with fresh coolant before seating it — not grease or thick RTV. Coolant allows the gasket to settle evenly during torque-down and prevents it from bunching up under pressure. This small step dramatically reduces the chance of slow edge leaks after a few heat cycles.

#5. A-Premium Engine Water Pump with Gasket (5.7L OHV HEMI)

A-Premium built this pump with one clear goal — stable cooling for daily-driven and work-use HEMI trucks without pushing the price into dealer territory. The aluminum housing keeps weight balanced, while the alloy steel reinforcement adds rigidity where heat stress usually cracks cheap castings. The 6-vane impeller design pushes consistent coolant flow at both idle and highway RPM, which matters when your RAM spends half its life in traffic and the other half hauling loads.

What owners notice first is how install-friendly this unit is. The pulley comes pre-mounted, hub height matches factory spec, and belt alignment lands exactly where it should — no shimming, no bracket fighting. After installation, bearing operation stays quiet, coolant pressure stabilizes quickly, and temperature recovery after hard pulls or long drives remains smooth. It’s not marketed as a performance upgrade — it’s built to restore factory-level reliability with modern manufacturing tolerances, which is exactly what most 5.7 HEMI owners want when replacing a tired original pump.

Why It Makes Sense for Most 5.7 HEMI Owners

• Pre-installed pulley setup — Saves install time and prevents alignment mistakes.
• 6-vane metal impeller design — Improves coolant circulation compared to basic budget pumps.
• Aluminum + alloy steel construction — Better resistance to heat fatigue and long-term wear.
• Unlimited-mileage warranty coverage — Strong safety net for daily drivers and high-mileage trucks.

Pro Mechanic Tip: After installation, let the engine idle with the radiator cap off until the thermostat opens, then top off coolant again. The 5.7 HEMI traps air near the pump housing — bleeding it properly prevents cavitation, keeps bearing load balanced, and avoids false overheating complaints later.

That’s the difference between a “new pump installed”… and a cooling system that actually works right.

5.7 HEMI Water Pump Comparison Table

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Water Pump for Your 5.7 HEMI

If you’re replacing a water pump on a 5.7 HEMI, don’t treat it like a generic parts swap. This engine runs hot by design, sees wide RPM swings, and punishes weak cooling components. Pick the wrong pump and you’ll be back under the hood sooner than you want. Here’s what actually matters when choosing the right one.

1. Match OEM Part Numbers First (Not Just “Fits Your Truck”)

Always cross-check OEM references like AW6341, 53022192AE, or 68346912AA. Why? Because some aftermarket pumps “fit” physically but don’t match factory shaft depth or impeller offset. That leads to pulley misalignment, belt noise, and premature bearing failure.

If your goal is factory-style reliability, pumps like Gates 43543 and AW6341-style replacements stay closest to original geometry.

2. Look at Impeller Design (This Affects Cooling More Than You Think)

Plastic impellers save cost — but they don’t age well. Heat cycles harden plastic, causing reduced flow and imbalance over time.

For 5.7 HEMI engines:

• Metal impellers (like OAW CR4430 and A-Premium) handle heat better
• Multi-vane designs improve low-RPM circulation (important in traffic and idling)

If your truck sees city driving, towing, or summer heat, metal impellers are the smarter long-term play.

3. Pulley Included vs Separate Install

This matters for install quality.

• Pre-installed pulley pumps (OAW CR4430, A-Premium) reduce alignment errors and save time
• Bare pumps require careful pulley transfer — easy to mess up without a press tool

If you’re DIY installing in your garage, pre-installed pulley options reduce risk.

4. Gasket Quality Is Just as Important as the Pump

Many “bad pump” failures aren’t pump failures at all — they’re cheap gaskets leaking under pressure.

That’s why complete kits like LEAPTIGER AW6341 make sense. Fresh seals + matched pump surface = better long-term sealing.

Never reuse old gaskets on a HEMI timing cover. It’s asking for slow leaks.

5. Consider How You Actually Use Your Truck

Be honest about your driving style:

• Daily driver + highway use: A-Premium or OAW CR4430 works well
• Factory restoration / OE feel: Gates 43543 or AW6341 OEM-style pumps
• Heavy towing / heat cycles: Go for premium seals and thicker housings

Different usage kills pumps in different ways.

6. Warranty Isn’t Everything — But It Still Matters

A long warranty doesn’t fix downtime, but it shows manufacturer confidence.

• Gates offers lifetime coverage
• A-Premium gives unlimited mileage protection
• Budget kits usually cap at 1 year

If your truck is high-mileage or work-dependent, warranty becomes insurance.

Bottom Line

For the 5.7 HEMI, the best water pump isn’t the cheapest — it’s the one that:

• Matches factory geometry
• Uses quality seals and bearings
• Handles heat cycling
• Installs clean without alignment headaches

Choose smart now… or you’ll be doing this job twice.

How to Change a Water Pump on a 5.7 HEMI (Step-by-Step Real-World Method)

This guide walks you through the exact process real mechanics use to replace a 5.7 HEMI water pump safely, cleanly, and without creating future leak or overheating problems.

Step 1: Let the Engine Go Stone Cold (Don’t Rush This)

Never touch the cooling system on a warm HEMI. Pressure stays trapped even after shutdown. Let it sit at least 2–3 hours. I’ve seen people crack radiator caps early and spray coolant everywhere — don’t be that guy.

Step 2: Drain Coolant Properly (Not On Your Garage Floor)

Open the radiator drain valve and catch coolant in a pan. Don’t just pull hoses and make a mess. You want a controlled drain so air doesn’t get sucked into weird places.

Pro move: Crack the radiator cap slowly while draining — it speeds up flow.

Step 3: Remove Serpentine Belt & Fan Shroud

Use a belt tensioner tool or breaker bar to relieve tension. Slide the belt off the water pump pulley.

Then remove:

• Upper fan shroud
• Mechanical fan (if equipped)
• Electric fan connector (if applicable)

Now you’ve got clean access.

Step 4: Unbolt the Water Pump (Pattern Matters)

There are multiple bolts holding the pump to the timing cover.

Important rule:
Loosen bolts evenly — not one side fully first.

This prevents warping stress on the aluminum timing cover.

Once loose, gently wiggle the pump free. Don’t pry aggressively.

Step 5: Clean the Mounting Surface (This Step Saves You Later)

This is where most leaks are born.

Use:

• Plastic scraper
• Brake cleaner
• Clean rag

Remove every trace of old gasket material. The surface must be flat, dry, and smooth. No shortcuts here.

Step 6: Install New Gasket + Water Pump

Lightly coat gasket with fresh coolant (not thick RTV).

Position pump carefully and hand-thread bolts first. Never start with power tools.

Torque in a crisscross pattern. Even pressure keeps the seal seated correctly.

Step 7: Reinstall Belt, Fans & Accessories

Put everything back exactly how it came off:

• Fan
• Shroud
• Belt routing
• Tensioner position

Double-check belt alignment. One rib off = noise + bearing damage later.

Step 8: Refill Coolant & Bleed Air (Critical on 5.7 HEMI)

Fill radiator slowly. Leave cap off.

Start engine and let it idle. When thermostat opens, coolant level will drop — top it again.

Watch for bubbles. Once stable, close cap.

This step prevents air pockets that cause false overheating and pump cavitation.

Step 9: Final Leak & Temperature Check

Let engine reach operating temperature.

Check:

• Around pump gasket
• Hose connections
• Under pulley

No drips = job done right.

Real Mechanic Reality Check

On a 5.7 HEMI, the water pump job isn’t hard — but it’s precision-sensitive. Most failures happen because of:

• Dirty gasket surfaces
• Over-torqued bolts
• Air trapped in system
• Misaligned pulleys

Do it slow. Do it clean. Do it once.

Time Required & Difficulty Level (What to Actually Expect)

If it’s your first time working on a 5.7 HEMI:

• DIY Time: 2 to 3 hours (garage floor, basic tools)
• Experienced Mechanic: 60–90 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Medium (not hard, but not beginner-friendly either)

This isn’t a “10-minute YouTube job.” Access is tight, bolt torque matters, and bleeding air properly takes patience. If you can change belts and thermostats confidently, you can handle this.

Tools You’ll Need Before Starting

Don’t start the job and then realize you’re missing tools. Have these ready:

• Socket set (8mm–15mm)
• Ratchet + extension bars
• Breaker bar or belt tensioner tool
• Torque wrench (important on aluminum timing cover)
• Drain pan (for coolant)
• Plastic scraper (for gasket surface cleaning)
• Brake cleaner or degreaser
• Clean shop rags
• Funnel (for coolant refill)

Optional but helpful:

• Magnetic tray (for bolts)
• Straight edge (for pulley alignment check)

Common Mistakes That Kill New Water Pumps

This is where most people mess up:

❌ Over-Tightening Bolts

Aluminum timing covers don’t like brute force. Over-torque warps the pump housing and causes slow leaks weeks later.

❌ Reusing Old Gaskets

Old seals are already heat-cycled. Reusing them is asking for coolant seepage.

❌ Skipping System Bleeding

Air pockets cause pump cavitation and false overheating. Always bleed properly.

❌ Dirty Mounting Surface

Leftover gasket material = uneven sealing = drip leaks.

❌ Misaligned Pulley

Even slight misalignment leads to belt noise and bearing wear.

Avoid these and your pump will last years instead of months.

Cost Breakdown: DIY vs Repair Shop

Here’s the honest money talk:

DIY Replacement Cost

• Water Pump Price: $60 – $180 (depending on brand)
• Coolant + Supplies: $25 – $50
• Total DIY Cost: $90 – $230

If you already own tools, this is the cheapest route.

Repair Shop Replacement Cost

• Labor: $180 – $350
• Parts + Coolant: $120 – $250
• Total Shop Cost: $300 – $600+

Dealerships usually charge even more.

Which Makes More Sense?

• If you’re comfortable with basic mechanical work → DIY saves serious money
• If you hate coolant mess and tight engine bays → Shop job saves time and stress

Either way, using a quality pump matters more than who installs it.

FAQs – 5.7 HEMI Water Pump Replacement

Final Thoughts: Fix It Once, Drive It Without Worry

The 5.7 HEMI is a strong engine — but it does not tolerate cooling problems. Once a water pump starts leaking or losing pressure, everything else follows: rising temps, weak heater performance, belt noise, and eventually engine damage. That’s not something you gamble with.

The pumps we covered here weren’t picked because of brand hype. They were chosen because they fit right, cool consistently, and survive real driving conditions — daily commutes, highway runs, stop-and-go traffic, and even towing abuse. Whether you go with a premium option like Gates, an OEM-style replacement like AW6341, or a value-focused setup like A-Premium or OAW, the goal stays the same: stable cooling and long-term reliability.

Do the install clean. Use fresh coolant. Torque it right. Bleed the system properly.

If you handle those basics, your HEMI will stay cool, your temperature needle will stay steady, and you won’t be opening the hood again anytime soon — except for oil changes.

That’s how real mechanics do it.
Fix it once. Drive it hard. Enjoy the truck.