What is involved on top of the difficulties and specifics of performing the task varies quite a bit from vehicle to vehicle, even between two similar cars, since their designs may allow very different access to fuel pumps—sometimes you have to drop a rear halfshaft or control arms just to get at it. Most modern vehicle fuel pumps reside in the fuel tank and can be a pain to access having to drop the tank. It can yield an 8-10 degree Celsius improvement over the OEM parts and significantly quieter operation, but it was connected to a pump in a location that could take your average tech 2-3 hours of labor just to open when/if it failed. This is a somewhat more complicated process that most often necessitates professional help, especially considering the potential dangers associated with surrounding fuel lines and electrical hookups.
Some vehicles include under the rear seat and trunk area factory access panels to more easily remove the fuel pump without dropping the entire tank. On average the access panels reduce only 50% of labor cost making pump replacement far less complex and costly. But not all models have these panels, so be sure to take a look at the specs of the car before simply assuming that access to the pump will be easy.
External or in-line fuel pumps are similar to that of in-tank pumps but located outside the tank instead, found in older models and most high performing vehicles where it is usually mounted along the frame rail and under the vehicle. Its placement is convenient for easy replacement on the fly, but it leaves it subject to the elements and external debris which can cause extra wear and necessitate extra protective maintenance.
As Henry Ford put it, “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking,” which underscores the need for dependable components that are made to last. Even if it's relatively easy to get to, less frequent replacements mean your high-quality Fuel Pump can work longer. A fuel pump is one of the most important vehicle parts, and when it needs to be replaced or repaired, you want a high-quality part that is dependable — whether easily accessible or not.