How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Power Steering Pump?

If you've ever eased into a parking space one-handed while turning the radio dial or grabbing a handful of fries, you've taken advantage of power steering. A power steering system allows you to steer a vehicle with very little effort or force and improves steering responsiveness. It does this using a hydraulic or electrical system to enhance the force you put on the steering wheel. Hydraulic systems are pressurized by a power steering pump, and if your power steering pump needs replacement, you'll notice it takes more effort to turn your steering wheel.

If your power steering pump needs to be replaced, you'll likely notice changes to how it feels to drive your car. Steering becomes more difficult and less responsive. The changes to steering can include:

• The steering wheel feels heavy.
• The steering wheel feels difficult to turn, especially at low speeds.
• The car doesn't respond immediately when you turn the wheel.

In addition to these changes, you might notice other signs, including:

• A puddle under your car. Hydraulic power steering systems use power steering fluid, which can leak out if the pump is failing. Power steering fluid usually has a reddish tint.
• Noise while turning. A whining, screeching or grinding noise when you turn can indicate that the pump is failing.

On average, replacing your power steering pump can cost between $500 and $900, but it's essential to avoid more serious damage to the power steering system. Replacing the pump yourself can save you about $300 and significantly lower the total cost of this repair. Factors that will impact the final price to replace a power steering pump include:

• The make and model of your car. Luxury and large vehicles often need parts that are more expensive than those for other vehicles.
• New versus used pump. A new power steering pump can cost roughly $400 to $500. Replacing your failing pump with a used pump is generally less expensive, but the used pump may not last as long as a newer replacement.
• OEM versus aftermarket parts. An OEM power steering pump that comes directly from your car's manufacturer is generally more expensive than a new power steering pump made by an aftermarket company.
• DIY versus pro repair. You can save hundreds of dollars by replacing your power steering pump yourself, if you're handy and comfortable working on cars.

For the mechanically inclined, replacing a power steering pump is a fairly straightforward DIY job. With the right tools and a working knowledge of how your vehicle works, it should take between one and three hours to replace the power steering pump. Given that replacing the pump can save you hundreds of dollars, it's a great use of your time—but only if you know what you're doing.

Before you get started, make sure you have all the tools and parts you'll need, including:

• A replacement power steering pump. An OEM pump, aftermarket pump or used power steering pump will work.
• Power steering fluid. After replacing the pump, you'll need to add more fluid to the power steering system.
• Power steering pulley remover kit. These kits, which cost about $20 to $40, allow you to remove the power steering pulleys so you can work on the system.
• Power steering hose remover. These tools, which cost about $10 to $30, are specific to the make of your car. They allow you to remove the power steering hoses without damaging them.
• Socket wrench and torque wrench. These tools allow you to connect and disconnect the various parts of the power steering system.
• Drain pan. This allows you to catch the power steering fluid when you drain the system.
• Car jacks. These offer safe access to the undercarriage of your car.

If you decide to do a DIY replacement, here's what the process will look like:

1. Drain the system. Before you can work on the power steering pump, you need to drain the power steering fluid that the hydraulic system uses to work. Do this by removing the power steering cooler line and allowing the liquid to drop into the drain pan until the flow stops.
2. Remove the old pump. This is more complicated than it might sound. To remove the old pump, you'll need to take off the power steering belt, remove the bolts that hold the pump in, then disconnect the power steering hoses that run to it. If you're reusing the power steering pump pulley, remove that from the old pump and attach it to the new one using a power steering pulley remover kit.
3. Install the new pump. Attach the hoses, then bolt the pump into place. Next, reattach the power steering belt.
4. Refill the power steering fluid. Add power steering fluid to the reservoir. Turn the steering wheel left and right to get air out of the lines and ensure the power steering fluid is evenly distributed throughout the system.
5. Take a test drive. Once your steering wheel movement feels smooth and even, take the car on a test drive to make sure the power steering pump is operating well. When you return, look for any puddles under the car that might indicate your power steering fluid is leaking.

Replacing a power steering pump isn't the most difficult DIY car repair, but it does require an above-average understanding of how vehicles work. If you're not comfortable with the steps above, it's probably best to leave this fix to the professionals.

In most cases, power steering pumps last for 100,000 miles or more. Over time, the parts of the pump will wear down, but keeping up with regular maintanence on your vehicle can help extend the life of your power steering pump. In addition, always use the type of power steering fluid that's recommended in your owner's manual, and make sure that it's topped off.

Although paying for a new power steering pump can be expensive, it's the best way to ensure that your power steering system works reliably for many thousands of miles to come.

The Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay for a new power steering pump and other unexpected repair costs. You can use it to pay for routine maintenance to keep your power steering system operating smoothly, too. Learn more about the Synchrony Car Care™ credit card and apply today. Car repairs are unavoidable. Luckily, having the Synchrony Car Care™ credit card on hand can help you deal with power steering pump replacement and other unexpected costs of car ownership.