How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Power Steering Pump?

If your vehicle is five or more years old, chances are it has a power steering pump. This is part of the system that makes it easier to turn your steering wheel. It’s a very important part of your vehicle, and if it goes bad, you will need to have it replaced. We suspect you may be sitting in a car right now with a wheel that is very reluctant to turn, wondering what this is going to cost you. The budget for replacing a power steering pump is around $1,000.

What is a Power Steering Pump, and Why Do I Need One?

The power steering pump in your car is a small hydraulic pump. It creates pressure that helps enable a mechanism to put force on your steering so that when you turn your steering wheel, it turns easily. The power of the pump does most of the work for the driver. There is a reservoir of power steering-specific hydraulic fluid under the hood that should be checked for proper level, and periodically, the fluid should be replaced by your mechanic.

In the old days, there were cars that did not have power steering. Turning the wheel took strength and endurance if you drove long distances. These vehicles had steering linkages and mechanisms designed to be moved by the driver. When power steering took over for this older design, the way the steering system worked also changed. When your power steering pump quits, the car does not resort to one with normal steering, but rather, one that is very hard to control. So, driving without the power steering pump operating is not really practical or safe.

How Do I Know If My Power Steering Pump Is Going?

The classic sign of a failing power steering pump is intermittent power assist. If the steering suddenly gets more difficult to turn for a moment and then returns to normal, have your vehicle checked immediately. Sometimes, pumps fail all at once. You may notice the fluid is low or find a spot under the car and take quick action to resolve an issue before the pump is damaged. Sometimes, noise from the engine bay is part of the failure symptoms.

Belt, Fluid, Or Pump? What Failed?

Most power steering systems that use pumps are driven off the vehicle’s accessory or serpentine belt. If the belt is slipping or broken, the pump won’t be able to do its job. The pump also relies on fluid to function. If the fluid level is low, it can operate poorly or stop working. Your mechanic will tell you which problem, or how many, your vehicle is suffering from.

Can My Power Steering Pump Be Fixed?

If the pump itself is the root of the problem, your mechanic will replace it. It is rarely worth trying to bench-repair individual parts, and your mechanic may not want to try for fear of burning up shop time, resulting in a replacement anyway.

Power Steering Pump - New, Rebuilt, or Aftermarket?

Your mechanic will know how to source the replacement pump. Depending on the age of the vehicle, rebuilt and aftermarket parts may be the only option available. Your mechanic will know where to source quality parts. Don’t assume you are being taken for a ride if the replacement part is not a new OEM-built component. Rebuilt pumps are commonly used. You may be offered a choice if the OEM part is still being made. Expect it to cost dramatically more.

Who Can Replace My Power Steering Pump?

This is a job that a local independent mechanic can do. A vehicle repair chain may be able to handle it, but we would suggest only using a repair chain if you know the people there and have had good luck with them in the past. A dealer can do this job, but it will cost you much more for the same result.

Can I Replace My Power Steering Pump Myself?

Replacing a power steering pump is not technically challenging, but it will take time, regardless of who does it. Is your time worth more or less than the fee your mechanic will charge? What will you do if you start the work and hit a roadblock? You cannot drive without the pump working. This is a job we would suggest letting a mechanic do while you work at your job and earn good money. She will be very efficient, and your time has a dollar value.

How Much Does a Power Steering Pump Cost?

Power steering pumps vary in cost but are typically a few hundred dollars to the high hundreds in cost. If you source the parts yourself, you may find the parts less expensive, but since you are not a mechanic who replaces these parts regularly, who do you trust? Most of the cost of replacing a power steering pump is the mechanic’s labor charge.

How Can I Prolong the Life of My Power Steering Pump?

Power steering pumps do require regular maintenance. You need to visually inspect the fluid periodically and take action if you see the level is at or below the minimum line. You also need to replace the fluid on a regular basis. Every three years or every 30,000 miles is typical. Your manual has the exchange interval. Don’t flush the fluid out unless your owner's manual specifically says to do so. The fluid is usually replaced, not flushed.

I Can’t Find My Power Steering Pump - Where Is It?

If your car is newer than ten years old, don’t be surprised if there is no power steering pump. Automakers have turned to “electronic” power steering, meaning the steering uses an electric motor along with sensors and a controller to make the steering work. There is no fluid and no “pump” in this type of newer system. The good news is that these systems are maintenance-free and more reliable. The bad news is that if it does fail, your bill will have a bigger number on it.

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