How Much Does a Power Steering Pump Cost?
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Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.
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The power steering system is installed in modern cars to aid steering and make it much easier to turn heavy-duty trucks in any direction.
It is a very important system in modern cars, and it functions with a set of components: the pump, rotary control valve, pressure tubes, fluid lines, and a hydraulic piston.
Among all steering system components, the pump is the most important; if it fails, the entire system will cease working immediately. But how much does a power steering pump cost?
Replacing a bad power steering system will cost you from $300 to $1,000, depending on your vehicle model and the power steering pump brand you decide to buy.
Let’s discuss everything you need to know about power steering pumps and how much it costs to replace them!
Table of Contents
What Does the Power Steering Pump Do?
The pump is the core component of the power steering system; it does the most important function. It receives the power steering hydraulic fluid from the reservoir, adds pressure to the flow, and circulates it through the rest of the system components so the wheel can turn swiftly.
So, the pump is there to pressurize the power steering hydraulic fluid to enable the system to perform its functions as designed.
The power steering system continuously adds hydraulic pressure for swift steering response for as long as the car is turned on. A faulty power steering pump can make driving really difficult and daunting.
Signs of Power Steering Pump Failure
It is advisable not to keep driving if you suspect your car’s power steering pump has stopped working; this is to avoid damage to the surrounding components and systems. But how do you know your car’s power steering pump is faulty? Well, a bad steering pump will exhibit the following signs:
- Hydraulic fluid leaks from beneath the car.
- The pump pulley keeps failing.
- The steering feel seems unusually difficult to turn.
- Loud whining noises when driving.
When you start noticing these signs as you drive, it’s high time to check on the steering pump.
Not only the steering pump triggers these signs; if there’s any other faulty component in the power steering system, it could trigger these signs, too. So after checking the pump, check the rest of the system for possible failure signs.
How Much Does a Power Steering Pump Cost?
The pump itself isn’t too expensive to buy; you’d most likely pay higher fees for the installation and not the pump. On most online auto parts retail stores, a steering pump sells at around $80 to $200, depending on the type and brand you want to buy.
Of course, the type of car you drive (and the type of power steering system installed in it) plays a huge role in the type or brand of steering pump you should buy. Power steering pumps for German cars (and luxury cars) are usually very expensive.
Labor costs are not static; you could get a mechanic/electrician that charges low hourly rates. However, the estimated cost for labor is $100 to $150, depending on your location and preference. You may want to request quotes from different mechanics before proceeding.
Considering the following factors – labor cost, parts cost, and miscellaneous repairs. The average power steering pump replacement costs from $300 to $1,000. Miscellaneous cost is always calculated because, in most cases, when you go to fix a faulty component, you’d discover that there are some underlying issues you should fix at once before they escalate.
If you’re considering saving on labor costs, then you should scout mechanics that offer a cheaper hourly rate. Steering pump replacement may take up to two hours in some cases - while it may exceed that if other components need to be repaired or replaced.
