The Average Cost for Power Steering Pump Replacement Is $350 to $690 Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY.
This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. Related repairs or maintenance, such as power steering fluid change, may also be required. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, use the RepairPal Fair Price Estimator.
Get a more accurate estimate for your Power Steering Pump Replacement using RepairPal’s Fair Price Estimator:
Cost at the Mechanic: $498 to $690
Parts: $350 to $503
Labor: $149 to $187
A power steering pump replacement is an essential service that makes sure you keep control of your vehicle. The service itself takes about two or three hours to complete, although diagnostics beforehand to identify the problem add to that time if you don’t know it’s a power steering pump problem already. Power steering pumps generally last well over 100,000 miles.
Cost to DIY: $350 to $503
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Parts Needed:
If you decide to DIY this repair, you could save quite a bit, but the cost of the necessary parts will always be the bulk of the price when it comes to power steering pumps. It can be kind of difficult to replace as well unless you have special tools the average household wouldn’t normally have. It’s generally safer and easier to get a mechanic to do the replacement for you.
What Is a Power Steering Pump?
Many newer cars have electrical power steering, but on vehicles equipped with hydraulic power steering, the power steering pump is used to circulate hydraulic fluid throughout the sealed power steering system, allowing you to turn the steering wheel easily. The fluid is essential for power steering functionality, and this pump is what makes sure that the fluid gets where it needs to go. When the pump malfunctions, steering the car becomes much more difficult and could even lead to a collision.
What Does a Power Steering Pump Replacement Include?
The power steering pump is usually attached to the fluid reservoir and pulley, but sometimes a new pump does not come with these items and they must either be purchased separately or the old parts transferred to the new pump. Other items you need for this job include power steering fluid and a serpentine belt. When you get the pump replaced, the labor typically takes about two to three hours to complete, and that time frame is the same if you decide to do it yourself and if you know what you’re doing.
Given the relative difficulty of the replacement (especially if the pulley and reservoir need to be transferred to the new pump), it’s often best to simply head to the mechanic to take care of it if you’re not well-versed in automotive repair. Additionally, the tools required for a DIY repair may be beyond what most people already have.
What Happens if You Don’t Get a Power Steering Pump Replacement?
Since the power steering pump is essential for your power steering, the ultimate result of failing to get this replaced is that you won’t have power steering anymore. This usually isn’t a major issue at higher speeds, but low-speed steering maneuvers become increasingly difficult when the power steering goes out. If you can’t steer easily, you may be more likely to get into accidents.
If it suddenly goes out, you may not have time enough to react before getting into an accident. Additionally, you’ll lose your power steering fluid, as a busted pump often causes it to leak. The more that leaks, the more it’ll cost to replace. The economical option is to get the problem addressed as soon as possible if you ever want to have full functionality in your power steering.
How Often to Get Your Power Steering Pump Replaced
Power steering pumps are typically long-lasting. Most will be last for well over 100,000 miles, so, in most cases, you won’t have to worry about replacement for years after purchasing your car. Still,, it’s always best to have the power steering system inspected regularly for leaks, bubbles in the fluid, or any other issues. Low fluid or excessive air in the fluid can cause excessive wear inside the power steering pump, which will shorten the pump’s life.
Common Symptoms You Need a Power Steering Pump Replacement
- Difficulty steering
- Power steering fluid leaking underneath your vehicle (fluid can be brown, pink, clear, or a variety of other colors)
- Groaning or screeching noises when accelerating or turning
Related Maintenance Services
The following services are commonly performed with power steering pump replacements:
Never Miss Important Maintenance Again With FIXD
Power steering pump replacement is something you might only need to get done once in your vehicle’s entire life, but you should inspect the system regularly when performing other services like oil changes and serpentine belt replacements. For other one-of-a-kind replacements and more common services, you’ll need to make sure you get them all taken care of on a timely basis to keep your vehicle running properly.
Get the FIXD Sensor and free app today for a custom maintenance schedule based on your make, model, and mileage. FIXD sends automated maintenance alerts right to your phone so you never forget oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacements, and more. It even tracks tire, wiper, and battery life to keep your car running smoothly. Get FIXD today and take the stress out of car care. It’s that simple.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
