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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a power steering input shaft seal?
Where can I get my power steering input shaft seal replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my power steering input shaft seal?
What happens if I don’t replace my power steering input shaft seal?
What is a power steering input shaft seal?
Can I replace my power steering input shaft seal myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a power steering input shaft seal?

The average cost for a power steering input shaft seal replacement is $254. We can break that number down into $57 for replacement parts and $197 for the technician’s labor costs. But keep in mind that those numbers are average estimates—the exact price you’ll pay depends on your car and your location.

How long does it take to replace a power steering input shaft seal? Replacement times can vary from car to car. But generally, a trained mechanic will take between one and three hours to perform the service.

Note that, for some vehicles, the replacement time can be significantly longer. That’s because you have to drop the subframe and remove the steering rack and pinion to replace the input shaft seal on some cars. If you drive a vehicle with that setup, your replacement time will likely be much longer.

Here’s a breakdown of power steering input shaft seal replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 26, 2024	Rodney, 20 New York, NY	Oldsmobile 88	$219	$40	$179	1.6 Hours
April 25, 2024	Nelle, 22 Golden, CO	GMC Canyon	$227	$40	$187	1.6 Hours
April 22, 2024	Lizzie, 27 Stone Mountain, GA	Subaru Forester	$216	$40	$176	1.6 Hours
April 17, 2024	Hunter, 35 Tacoma, WA	Audi Q3	$245	$40	$204	1.6 Hours
April 17, 2024	Rosie, 36 Boca Raton, FL	Jaguar XF	$227	$40	$187	1.6 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my power steering input shaft seal replacement, and how much do those parts cost?

You should check your vehicle repair guide and

owner’s manual

for detailed, model-specific information about the power steering system. But here’s a basic overview of the parts you may need:

Power steering input shaft seal kit: The primary part you’re going to replace is the input shaft seal itself. Most vehicles have two seals: a dust cover and the actual input shaft seal. A new seal kit should cost between $5 and $25.

O-rings or gaskets: Depending on the car, you may need to replace o-rings or gaskets when you replace the input shaft seal. These are inexpensive and should cost between $5 and $20.

Power steering fluid: You may have to top off your power steering fluid level after the input shaft seal replacement. Quarts of power steering fluid cost $5 to $15.

You can purchase power steering input shaft seal parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three recommended brands for power steering input shaft seal kits are SKF, Timken, and National Seal. When it comes to your power steering fluid, we recommend brands like Prestone, Valvoline, and Lucas Oil. Lastly, for o-rings and gaskets, our recommendations are brands like Fel-Pro, Mahle, and Victor Reinz. However, the best parts and brands for your power steering input shaft seal replacement will vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are the best choice for most automotive repairs, especially for newer cars.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer designs OEM parts specifically to fit your make and model. The parts come with a strong manufacturer’s warranty and are made from reliable and high-quality materials. The downside to OEM parts is they tend to come with a steep price tag and can be hard to find.

Third-party companies design and produce aftermarket parts to fit a wide variety of vehicles. They tend to be cheaper than their OEM counterparts but are available in budget, premium, and performance options. Aftermarket parts can be an excellent choice for older cars and drivers looking to save on repair costs—just remember to check the part number to confirm it fits your vehicle.

Where can I buy the parts for my power steering input shaft seal replacement?

You can buy OEM parts from your local dealership or by contacting an authorized parts retailer. Aftermarket parts are available at various auto parts stores—like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts—and online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my power steering input shaft seal replaced?

For drivers without a go-to repair shop, finding the right mechanic can be difficult. Luckily, you can use Jerry's

GarageGuard™

to compare hourly rates and repair estimates from over 2,500 shops around the nation.

Jerry's GarageGuard creates fair price estimates based on the actual hourly rates from local shops. You can use GarageGuard to check diagnostic fees, budget for future maintenance, and read customer reviews for shops in your area.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to search for quality repair services near you.

177 Reviews

54th Street Auto Center

415 W 54th St, New York, NY

Power Steering Input Shaft Seal Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$311

(Parts - $39, Labor - $272)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$191

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (212) 265-3120

153 Reviews

John Nolan Auto Service

15 E 4th St, Newport, Cincinnati, OH

Power Steering Input Shaft Seal Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$216

(Parts - $39, Labor - $177)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (859) 261-8833

171 Reviews

Mike's Auto Service

643 E Main St Suite #B, Edison, NJ

Power Steering Input Shaft Seal Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$267

(Parts - $39, Labor - $228)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$120

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (908) 722-2122

183 Reviews

Eurocraft Motorsports

71 Rosedale Rd, Watertown, MA

Power Steering Input Shaft Seal Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$225

(Parts - $39, Labor - $186)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$110

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (617) 924-6700

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my power steering input shaft seal?

The replacement process for a power steering input shaft seal can vary greatly from car to car. But these are the general steps a mechanic will follow:

Raise the vehicle off the ground

Remove the steering gear—as mentioned earlier, this step may involve lowering the subframe and removing the rack and pinion gear

Clean the steering gear before proceeding

Remove the input shaft face cover

Use a grease or chalk pen to mark the housing and cover—this ensures the orientation is correct during reassembly

Remove any bearing cap bolts and the cap cover

Use a seal puller or flathead screwdriver to remove the dust seal from the cap cover

Remove the snap ring or washer if present

Use a socket or seal driver to push out the old input shaft seal

Remove the o-ring if present

Clean the input shaft bearing

Apply a layer of grease or oil to the new input shaft seal and press it in using a seal press or socket

Install a new o-ring if necessary

Replace the snap ring or washer if applicable

Install the new dust seal

Replace the cap cover and torque the bearing bolts to the appropriate specification

Replace the face cover

Reinstall the power steering gearbox

Top off any lost power steering fluid

Start the engine and observe the vehicle for leaks

Top off the fluid again after the engine has been running for a few minutes

Take the car on a 10-mile test drive to ensure steering functionality

What happens if I don’t replace my power steering input shaft seal?

If you ignore a faulty power steering input shaft seal, you’ll likely face the following problems:

Power steering fluid loss: The input shaft seal’s primary job is to prevent fluid leaks. As the seal deteriorates, fluid leaks will develop, leading to power steering problems and potential damage to other components.

Difficulty steering: When your power steering system loses fluid and pressure, you’ll have a harder time turning the steering wheel. This can make it more difficult to control the vehicle and can lead to dangerous situations.

Power steering pump damage: Low power steering fluid levels put extra stress on the pump. This can lead to premature wear and damage.

Noise and vibrations: Air can enter the power steering system through a leaky seal. This can cause noises, like growling or whining sounds, and vibrations in the steering wheel.

Complete power steering failure: If the power steering fluid falls low enough, the entire system may fail. This will make it extremely difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at high speeds, and lead to expensive repairs.

Damage to other components: Leaking power steering fluid can drip onto other vehicle components, like hoses, tie rods, the

Pitman arm

, accessory pulleys, and the engine bay.

What is a power steering input shaft seal?

The power steering input shaft seal is an integral part of hydraulic

power steering systems

. It is a small rubber or metal oil seal that prevents fluid leaks at the point where the steering column connects to the power steering rack or gear. The seal serves to maintain system pressure, prevent fluid loss, and stop dirt and contaminants from entering the system.

When should I replace the power steering input shaft seal on my car?

There is no set replacement interval for the power steering input shaft seal. But it is a wear-and-tear item that can deteriorate over time due to overuse and heat. You may need to replace your seal if you notice any of the following signs:

Power steering fluid leaks: The primary sign of a bad input shaft seal is a power steering fluid leak. If you notice red or reddish-brown liquid beneath your car, especially near the front wheels, the input shaft seal may be to blame.

Low power steering fluid: Power steering systems are closed systems, meaning that you shouldn’t normally have to add extra fluid. And if the fluid level is low, it most likely means there’s a leak.

Strange noises: If you hear a whining or growling noise when turning the steering wheel, it’s most likely a sign of air in the power steering system. This can be the result of a bad input shaft seal.

Difficulty steering: If the fluid level drops, you’ll likely notice it’s harder to turn your steering wheel. As the problem progresses, it will become more and more challenging to steer your car.

Keep in mind: These symptoms can indicate other problems, like a bad power steering pump or damaged hoses. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to visit a certified mechanic for an inspection.

How often should I replace my power steering input shaft seal?

The power steering input shaft seal does not have a specified replacement schedule. And in many cases, the seal may last for the vehicle’s lifetime. That said, it is a wear-and-tear item and can fail over time.

You should replace your power steering input shaft seal when you begin to see signs of failure, including power steering fluid leaks, difficulty turning, and strange noises while turning.

Can I replace my power steering input shaft seal myself?

A power steering input shaft seal replacement is generally a mid-to-advanced level repair job. It requires knowledge of the power steering system and access to some special tools. While experienced hobbyists and home mechanics should be able to handle the job, novices will likely struggle.

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FAQs

Why do shaft seals leak?

Many things can contribute to a shaft seal leaking, including:

Age

Wear and tear

Contaminants

Improper installation

Temperature and pressure

Corrosion

Shaft misalignment

Vibrations

Can you drive with a power steering leak?

You should avoid driving with a power steering leak. While it’s possible to drive with a minor leak, you risk worsening the problem and developing dangerously low power steering fluid levels. If the level drops too low, you’ll lose power steering functionality, making it difficult and unsafe to drive.

What is the most common cause of power steering leaks?

Damaged gaskets and seals within the power steering system are typically the most common cause of power steering fluid leaks. This includes the rack and pinion seals, the power steering pump seal, and the hose connections. These seals can crack and wear out over time due to the following:

Age and wear

High temperatures

Low-quality hydraulic fluid

Contaminants

Improper installation

Misaligned components

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.