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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 pump pulley?
Where can I get my power steering pump pulley replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my power steering pump pulley?
What happens if I don’t replace my power steering pump pulley?
What is a power steering pump pulley?
Can I replace my power steering pump pulley myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a power steering pump pulley?

The average cost for a power steering pump pulley replacement is $210. That price breaks down into $50 for replacement parts and $160 for the mechanic’s labor costs. But keep in mind that those are averages, and your exact cost will depend on your car and location.

How long does it take to replace a power steering pump pulley? Actual replacement times can vary depending on the vehicle, but a trained mechanic should typically take between one and two hours to perform the service.

Here’s a breakdown of power steering pump pulley replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 10, 2024	Eleanor, 36 Westbrook, CT	Buick Park Avenue	$301	$107	$194	1.3 Hours
April 9, 2024	Alan, 38 Pensacola, FL	Mitsubishi Mirage	$282	$107	$176	1.3 Hours
April 7, 2024	Stephen, 41 Elizabeth, NJ	Suzuki Vitara	$181	$23	$158	1.3 Hours
April 5, 2024	Cody, 44 Homestead, FL	Fiat 500X	$172	$23	$150	1.3 Hours
April 5, 2024	Sue, 45 Kansas City, MO	Hyundai Veracruz	$181	$23	$158	1.3 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 pump pulley replacement, and how much do those parts cost?

You should check your vehicle repair guide or

owner’s manual

for model-specific information about the power steering system. But here’s a general overview of what you may need:

Power steering pump pulley: This is the primary part you’re going to replace. A new pulley can cost between $20 and $100.

Serpentine belt

: The serpentine or drive belt is what turns the pulley and drives the power steering pump. It’s a good idea to replace the belt any time you replace a belt-driven pulley or accessory. A new serpentine belt can cost $15 to $50.

Power steering fluid: You may need to top off your hydraulic power steering fluid after you replace the pulley. Containers of power steering fluid can cost between $10 and $30.

You can purchase power steering pump pulley 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 of our top recommended brands for power steering pump pulleys are Dorman, ACDelco, and Genuine Toyota. For power steering fluid, Prestone, Valvoline, and Lucas Oil are our recommendations. When it comes to serpentine belts, we recommend brands like Gates, Dayco, and Continental. Keep in mind that the right parts and brands for your power steering pump pulley replacement will vary based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

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

OEM parts are designed by your vehicle’s manufacturer precisely to fit your car. They come with a strong warranty and are built using reliable, high-quality materials. The drawback to OEM parts is that they can be pricey and difficult to find.

Aftermarket parts are designed by third-party companies to fit many different types of vehicles. They’re usually cheaper than OEM parts but are available in budget, premium, and performance versions. Aftermarket parts are a good choice for older cars and drivers who want to lower their repair costs.

Where can I buy the parts for my power steering pump pulley replacement?

You can purchase OEM parts from your local dealership or an authorized parts supplier. Aftermarket parts are available at a wide range of auto parts stores—like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts—and online retailers like RockAuto and Amazon.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my power steering pump pulley replaced?

Finding a trustworthy auto repair shop can be a daunting task. Fortunately, you can use Jerry's

GarageGuard™

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

Jerry's GarageGuard™ uses real hourly rates from local shops to generate fair price estimates. Use Jerry's GarageGuard™ to check diagnostic feels, prepare for future maintenance, and find the shops near you with the best reviews.

Below, you can check out some of our vetted shops. And don’t forget to download the app to search for quality repair services near you.

176 Reviews

AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care - Yonkers

41 Hudson St, Yonkers, NY

Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$210

(Parts - $44, Labor - $166)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (914) 483-5717

163 Reviews

Speedy Pete's Auto LLC

22854 Bryant Ct #108, Great Falls, VA

Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$249

(Parts - $44, Labor - $205)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$110

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (703) 437-6100

147 Reviews

Uptown Automotive

1089 San Mateo Ave, San Francisco, CA

Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$324

(Parts - $44, Labor - $280)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$200

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (650) 871-8602

146 Reviews

Meineke Car Care Center 2697

4559 Artesia Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA

Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$287

(Parts - $44, Labor - $243)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (310) 371-0500

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 pump pulley?

These are the general steps your mechanic will follow to replace your power steering pump pulley:

Lift the car off the ground

Remove any engine covers or parts blocking access to the pump

Remove the serpentine or drive belt

Position a drain pain beneath the pump

Remove the hydraulic fluid lines connecting to the pump

Remove the mounting bolts supporting the pump bracket

Remove the pump and place it on a flat working surface

Use a pulley puller to remove the old pulley

Apply a lubricant, like anti-seize, to the input shaft

Press the new power steering pump pulley onto the input shaft using the installer screw and nut

Remove the installer screw and test the pulley by spinning it—it should spin freely

Remount the pump on the engine block and check the pulley’s alignment—adjust the pulley using the installer screw if necessary

Install a new serpentine or drive belt and tighten it using the belt tensioner

Lower the car

Top off the power steering fluid reservoir if necessary

Start the engine and turn the steering wheel back and forth

Turn off the engine and top off the fluid level again if necessary

Start the engine and check for leaks

Take the car on a 10-mile test drive

What happens if I don’t replace my power steering pump pulley?

If you have a faulty power steering pump pulley and don’t replace it, you’ll likely face the following problems:

Loss of power steering functionality: A bad power steering pulley can lead to a loss of power steering assistance. This can lead to increasingly difficult steering and a loss of vehicle control.

Noisy operation: A worn-out pulley can cause noises like whining, squealing, or rattling sounds.

Steering system damage: A faulty pulley can put extra stress on other power steering system components. This can lead to premature damage and expensive repairs.

Drive belt damage: A bad pulley will likely damage the serpentine belt. A seriously damaged belt is likely to break during operation. This can lead to more damage to the power steering pump and cut power to other accessories like the alternator.

Pulley separation: A severely worn or malfunctioning pulley can break or separate from the pump. This can cause an abrupt loss of power steering and lead to extremely dangerous situations. Additionally, if the pulley breaks during operation, it can cause serious damage to the engine and crankshaft.

What is a power steering pump pulley?

A power steering pump pulley is a mechanical component of many

power steering systems

. It attaches to the power steering pump’s input shaft and connects the serpentine or drive belt to the shaft. As the engine runs, the serpentine belt rotates the pulley, driving the pump and allowing it to generate the hydraulic pressure necessary for the power steering system to function.

When should I replace the power steering pump pulley on my car?

There is no set replacement interval for the power steering pump pulley. That means you’ll only have to replace yours if it fails. The most common symptoms of a bad pulley include:

Burning smells from the engine: If the power steering pump pulley bearing seizes, it can cause the belt to smoke.

Power steering problems: A bad pulley can cause the serpentine belt to jump. This can cause overheating of the pulley and pump, leading to power steering issues, like jerky steering, a stiff steering wheel, vibrations in the wheel, and a complete loss of power steering assistance.

Drive belt damage: A faulty pulley will likely lead to serpentine belt damage. You might notice the belt squeals when you start the engine or begins fraying or cracking prematurely.

Power steering fluid leaks: A malfunctioning pulley can lead to power steering fluid leaks. If you notice red or reddish-brown liquid beneath the engine bay, the pulley could be to blame.

Keep in mind: These symptoms could be caused by other issues, like bad hoses, a faulty power steering pump, or even a worn-out steering rack and pinion. The best way to accurately diagnose your problem is to visit a certified repair technician.

How often should I replace my power steering pump pulley?

There is no set replacement interval for the power steering pump pulley. And in most cases, the pulley will last for the vehicle’s lifetime. That said, the pulley can wear out over time—and if that occurs, you’ll need to replace it.

Some of the top signs of a bad power steering pump pulley include jerky steering, a burning smell from the engine, and complete power steering failure.

Can I replace my power steering pump pulley myself?

A power steering pump pulley replacement requires mid-level mechanical skills and access to basic and specialized tools. Experienced hobbyists and DIYers should be able to handle the task with relative ease, but automotive novices are probably better off contacting a professional mechanic.

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FAQs

Can you drive with a bad power steering pulley?

You can drive with a bad power steering pulley, but doing so is unwise. Driving with a bad pulley will likely lead to further power steering system damage, and it may result in a complete loss of power steering functionality. This can be dangerous, as you will likely lose control of the vehicle.

How do I know if my power steering pump or pulley is bad?

While a bad power steering pump and pulley can cause many of the same symptoms, the following issues are more likely to result from a bad pulley:

Burning smells from the engine bay

Serpentine or drive belt damage

Rattling noises

Vibrations in the steering wheel

Keep in mind that even those symptoms can indicate other problems. The best way to be sure that you correctly identify the problem is to visit a licensed mechanic.

What causes a pulley to fail?

Various factors can contribute to a pulley’s failure, including:

Wear and tear

Bearing wear

Misalignment

Contamination

Excessive stress or load

Accidents or physical impact

Corrosion

Improper installation

Low-quality materials

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.