Shop by Brand

View our Privacy Policy

Air Pump

 Shop Air Pump





Just like you, your car's engine breathes in air. The air gets mixed with fuel and is burned, producing exhaust gases. Your engine gets rid of the hot exhaust gases to keep from overheating.Unburned fuel, however, can get carried and increase the volume of tailpipe emissions. The job of the air pump is to supply oxygen-rich air into the exhaust system to help combust the unburned fuel. It also helps to quickly warm up the engine after cold starts.Once the engine warms up, fresh air is redirected into the catalytic converter to further help in combusting unburned fuel. All these functions are aimed at reducing tailpipe emissions for cleaner exhaust gases. The air pump, however, can get clogged with thick carbon deposits through time.Such a failure would trigger a warning light on your car's instrument panel. If that happens, you might want to replace the pump. Carparts can help you.


• Guaranteed to draw more air into your car's engine bay

• Designed according to OE specifications

• Comes with all the hardware needed for quick, hassle-free installation

Air Pump Articles

  • How to Install an Air Pump in 5 Steps 11 January 2013

    Injecting freshly pressurized air into the exhaust stream is not an easy job. This is the reason why every vehicle needs a durable air pump that can manage to stay in excellent condition for a long period of time. But due to excessive use, old age, or moisture accumulation, air pump tear is unavoidable. If the air pump fails, the vehicle will suffer from annoying noises, inefficient fuel combustion, and poor emissions conversion. If you think it is time to change your stock air pump, here are the instructions to help you with the installation.

    Required skill level: Intermediate

    Needed tools and materials

    1. New air pump
    2. Floor jack
    3. Jack stands
    4. Wrenches
    5. Ratchet and socket set
    6. Pliers

    Preparing your vehicle

    Make sure your vehicle is parked on a spacious area. Before you start working on the installation, put the gear shift to neutral or park. Open the hood and detach the negative battery cable using the socket and the wrench. After that, lift your vehicle up using the floor jack and set up the jack stands. Once the stands are secured, you may now locate the air pump.

    Taking out the serpentine belt

    Slightly loosen the bolts attached to the air pump pulley using the ratchet and socket, but remember not to remove them completely. Next, you have to release the pressure on the serpentine belt by turning the tensioner pulley clockwise. Once you're done, remove the belt completely from the air pump.

    Removing the old air pump

    Disconnect the rubber hoses attached to the air pump's body by unlocking the clamps using the pliers. Then, carefully detach the electrical connections of the pump. If possible, use your hands in unplugging the electrical wirings connected to the air pump. Unbolt the brackets holding the air pump in place, and lift the old or damaged air pump away from the engine. Discard the old stock.

    Installing the new air pump

    Take the replacement air pump and slowly put it in place. Once you're sure that the new pump is properly positioned on the mount, secure it by locking the air pump brackets. Re-attach the electrical wirings and the rubber hoses that were originally connected to the air pump. Make sure that the clamps are tightened and that the tubes are placed correctly. Re-install the belt, and put the pressure back on the tensioner pulley.

    Evaluating the installation procedure

    Once you have put everything back, take the vehicle down and remove the jack stands. Remember to reconnect the negative battery cable before you rev up the engine. Check for unusual noises. Observe if everything is working properly.

    Tips and warnings

    • The location of the air pump varies from one vehicle to another. Checking the owner's manual of your vehicle will help you locate the pump faster.
    • It is advisable for you to use a shop light to help increase visibility within the hood. Improved visibility will make the installation easier.
    • After you remove the hoses connected to the air pump, cover the bolt heads with Teflon tape to prevent scratches.
    • Before reconnecting the rubber tubes back to the air pump body, apply a generous amount of copper sealant on the threads.

    Continue Reading View Less