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Power Steering Fluid Service Cost Estimate
Power Steering Fluid Service Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your power steering fluid replacement? Use Jerry's GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your power steering fluid replacement.
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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 service the power steering fluid?
- Where can I get my power steering fluid replaced?
- How will a mechanic replace my power steering fluid?
- What happens if I don’t change my power steering fluid?
- What is a power steering fluid service?
- Can I replace the power steering fluid myself?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
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How much does it cost to service the power steering fluid?
The average cost to replace your car’s power steering fluid is $146—parts cost an average of $27, while mechanic labor costs around $118. Remember, this is just an estimate—the exact price to top up your power steering fluid will depend on your vehicle’s make and model.
How long does it take to service the power steering fluid? A certified mechanic can replace your power steering fluid in about 1.0 hours hours. It’s a quick and easy process, but it must be done right. Your mechanic will consult your vehicle’s service manual for the correct type and quantity of power steering fluid before performing before topping it up.
Here’s an overview of the power steering fluid service costs for different vehicles:
| Estimate Date | Customer | Car | Fair Cost Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Labor Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
November 22, 2024 | Elizabeth, 23 Fredericksburg, VA | Kia Forte | $129 | $23 | $106 | 1.0 Hours |
November 19, 2024 | Catherine, 27 Stone Mountain, GA | Mercury Mariner | $131 | $23 | $108 | 1.0 Hours |
November 17, 2024 | Gussie, 30 Dublin, PA | Infiniti M37 | $127 | $23 | $104 | 1.0 Hours |
November 14, 2024 | Olive, 36 Dickinson, TX | Saab 45172 | $141 | $23 | $118 | 1.0 Hours |
November 14, 2024 | Harriet, 36 Thornton, PA | Jaguar XF | $145 | $23 | $122 | 1.0 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.
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.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What parts do I need for a power steering fluid service and how much do those parts cost?
When replacing your power steering fluid, you usually won’t need any extra parts apart from the fluid itself. However, if you’re servicing your vehicle yourself, you may need a few additional supplies:
- Fluid transfer pump
- Car jack
- Funnel
- Towels or rags
Luckily, buying power steering fluid is cheap, with the average cost between $11.22 and $13.72. However, labor costs a bit more.
We recommend purchasing power steering fluid at local auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. Reputable brands are Prestone, Valvoline, and Lucas Oil for quality power steering fluids, ensuring proper lubrication and optimal performance for your vehicle's power steering system. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.
Should I buy automatic or synthetic fluid?
When choosing a product for your car, you always want to invest in the best, as the optimal performance of your vehicle should be a top priority. With power steering fluid, you have three choices: automatic transmission fluid (ATF), synthetic, or non-synthetic.
- Automatic transmission fluid (ATF): The same fluid used for automatic transmissions can be used in some vehicle’s power steering systems.
- Synthetic power steering fluid: Many newer vehicles use synthetic power steering fluid. They’re engineered in a lab and are usually designed for specific types of cars or steering systems.
- Non-synthetic mineral power steering fluid: Mineral hydraulic fluid can be used instead of ATF in some situations.
Pro tip: Choosing the right power steering fluid for your vehicle is important—an incompatible one can cause damage. If you’re unsure which is right, check the specifications in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Where can I buy power steering fluid?
Power steering is widely available both online and in-store. You can find it only at most automotive parts retailers, such as Advance Auto Parts, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and AutoZone, or other sites like Amazon and Walmart that sell automotive parts. But before purchasing a bottle, check your vehicle specifications to ensure compatibility.
Where can I get my power steering fluid replaced?
If you’re not super car-savvy and don’t want to take on a DIY project to change your power steering fluid yourself, finding the right auto repair shop to do the job can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a trusted mechanic in your area. Luckily, Jerry's
GarageGuard™
makes things easy! You can compare repair service rates from over 2,500 reputable auto shops across the country in seconds.Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from repair shops using their actual hourly labor rate. You can also find out if you need to leave room in the budget for diagnostic fees and read actual reviews from real customers to help you choose the best service.
Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair costs in your area.
138 Reviews
Curbee
599 N 4th St, Oakland, CA
Power Steering Fluid Service
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$137
(Parts - $12, Labor - $125)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$135142 Reviews
Havoline Xpress Lube - #1324
11988 W. Jewell Avenue, Lakewood, CO
Power Steering Fluid Service
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$120
(Parts - $12, Labor - $108)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$137100 Reviews
Innovative Auto Solutions
4135 Jackie Rd SE #101, Rio Rancho, NM
Power Steering Fluid Service
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$142
(Parts - $12, Labor - $130)
175 Reviews
RepairSmith - Las Vegas
Power Steering Fluid Service
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$120
(Parts - $12, Labor - $108)
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 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 fluid?
Replacing the power steering fluid is relatively cheap and easy but must be done right. Your mechanic will consult your vehicle’s service manual for the correct type and quantity of power steering fluid before performing the following steps:
- Drain the power steering reservoir
- Fill the correct type and amount of new fluid detailed in the service manual
- Bleed the power steering system and clean any remaining fluid
- Test the power steering for ease of operation
- Check the power steering system for any leaks
You can check and add power steering fluid at home, but pouring the wrong fluid or overfilling the system can cause expensive damage.
What happens if I don’t change my power steering fluid?
Not changing your power steering fluid when it’s time might not seem like a big deal, but it can amount to significant issues. Over time, particles and sludge build up in the fluid. Once the fluid is dirty and contaminated, it’s running through your system every time you turn the car wheel, increasing the stress on your power steering fluid pump and the rest of the system.
Dirty power steering fluid can also go as far as to cause problems with the seals in the pump or the seals on the rack, which can be very expensive to replace.
What is a power steering fluid service?
Power steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transfers the power in a power steering system. It is a pressurized fluid designed to decrease the amount of effort required to turn the steering wheel when driving and ensure proper lubrication of all of the moving parts in the power steering system. In doing so, the hoses, pistons, valves, and power steering pump work as intended.
When you get a power steering fluid service, the mechanic will check and change the fluid in your hydraulic power steering system if it is contaminated with metals. They will also check your power steering system's hoses, fittings, and clamps for leaks if the fluid level is low.
On average, a power steering fluid service costs between $111 and $178, depending on the car you drive and the auto shop you go to.
How do I know if my power steering fluid needs replacing?
Changing your power steering fluid is a regular part of scheduled maintenance services, but you should consider getting a power steering flush service every three to four years to ensure extended service life. The power steering fluid, however, should be changed about every 50,000 miles.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it might be time for a power steering fluid change:
- Heavy steering wheel
- Control difficulties
- Noisy steering functions
- Failed vehicle safety inspection
- Leaking power steering fluid
- Dark brown or black power steering fluid
How often should you service the power steering fluid?
In most cases, you’ll want to change your power steering fluid every five years or 50,000 miles. Depending on your vehicle, you may require more or less frequent changes, so follow the guidelines in your owner’s manual.
However, regularly changing the power steering fluid and/or scheduling a power steering flush is recommended to prolong the life of other steering components that are more expensive to replace.
If following a
regular car maintenance schedule
, you’ll want to replace the power steering fluid if it appears dark or if there is any visible dirt, debris, sludge, or other contaminants.Can I replace the power steering fluid myself?
If you want to
save money on car expenses
by changing the power steering fluid yourself, you absolutely can—and you don’t have to be car-savvy to do it. All you’ll need is a turkey baster or a fluid transfer pump and a new bottle of power steering fluid, and then you can get started.Replacing your power steering fluid involves sucking out the old fluid and refilling the power steering fluid reservoir with clean fluid. Although quick and easy, if you’re not comfortable performing the process, call your local mechanic and leave the job to a professional.
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FAQs
Can I just refill my power steering fluid?
If you check your power steering fluid and the fluid is clear, amber, or pink, you can refill it with more fluid. However, if the fluid looks brown or black or has been contaminated, you’ll want to take it to a mechanic to have the fluid replaced or possibly a power steering system flush.
Is it worth the extra cost to service the power steering fluid?
Taking your car in for a power steering system service is a good idea every so often. The power steering solution wears out over time, but other steering system components may also need replacing. For example, O-rings and seals can become worn or damaged, affecting the system's operation. If you don’t service your power steering occasionally, the entire system could encounter larger, more costly issues.
What color should the power steering fluid be?
Clean power steering fluid should be red or pink, but with time, the color of the power steering fluid will be affected and eventually turn brown. Dark-colored fluid indicates that it’s time for a replacement.
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.