A power steering pump replacement can cost an average of $500 to $1,000 if you have the work done by a professional. The price can vary depending on the vehicle you drive and where you have the work done.
What is a power steering pump?A vehicle’s power steering system makes it easier to turn the steering wheel. In cars with a hydraulic power steering system, the power steering pump pressurizes the system and helps keep the hydraulic fluid circulating.
What affects the cost of a power steering pump replacement?
The cost of parts and labor for a power steering pump replacement can vary depending on several factors.
Parts
On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a new power steering pump—but if you drive a luxury vehicle or a car with hard-to-source replacement parts, you may pay more. If you can find a refurbished or aftermarket power steering pump for your vehicle, you may be able to pay less than the cost of new original equipment (OEM).
There could also be additional parts costs included in your repair, including your mechanic recommending that you replace the lines in your power steering system. You’ll also need to replace your power steering fluid once the power steering pump has been replaced.
It’s important to keep in mind that if your power steering pump goes out, it could indicate a larger issue—and addressing that will likely affect your total repair cost.
Labor
In some vehicles, the power steering pump is difficult to access. The longer it takes to remove and replace the pump, the more you’ll pay in labor. Your labor costs may also vary depending on where you live and the shop where you have the work done. However, experienced DIY mechanics may be able to save on labor by doing this job at home.
Signs that your power steering pump is bad
If your power steering pump is going out, you may notice signs like:
- Leaking power steering fluid: If you notice a reddish or reddish-brown puddle under your car after you’ve been driving, you could have a power steering fluid leak. You may also notice that the power steering fluid levels are low. This can indicate a number of issues with the entire system, including a problem with the pump.
- Power steering fluid looks gray or glittery: If your power steering fluid is gray, it’s oxidized, which could be a sign that the pump isn’t pressurizing the system properly. If it looks glittery, there could be metal flakes in the power steering system—a sure sign of trouble.
- Odd noises when you turn the steering wheel: If you hear screeching or groaning noises from your vehicle when you try to turn or as you accelerate, it could indicate that your power steering pump is going bad—although it may also mean that a belt needs to be replaced.
- Difficulty steering: Losing your power steering system will make it noticeably more difficult to turn your steering wheel, especially at low speeds. The steering wheel may feel especially stiff, or you may get a sluggish response when you try to turn.
How often does a power steering pump need to be replaced?
You can usually expect a power steering pump to last at least 100,000 miles. To help keep it in good working order, stay on top of your vehicle’s routine maintenance, and always use the power steering fluid recommended by your manufacturer when you top it off.
Here are some reasons your power steering pump might go bad:
- Normal wear and tear
- A damaged serpentine belt
- Power steering fluid leak
- Contaminated power steering fluid
Can I keep driving if my power steering pump is bad?
While your vehicle may still operate, it’s not a good idea to continue driving if your power steering pump is going out. You’ll have difficulty controlling your vehicle, which could lead to an accident if you’re in a situation where you need to maneuver quickly. Also, the longer you drive with a failing power steering pump, the more you risk additional damage that will end up costing even more to repair.
Can I replace a power steering pump myself?
Replacing a power steering pump is a pretty big job, but it’s possible if you’re fairly comfortable working on cars. The process is somewhat involved—you’ll need to remove all of the power steering fluid, then remove and replace the part (which can be difficult on some models), refill the power steering fluid, and bleed any air from the system. If you’re new to DIY automotive work, it’s probably best to have a technician take care of this one.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
