In the 1960s, power steering became a standard feature in most American-built cars. It has evolved into a valuable component that makes maneuvering vehicles easy.
Like the other car features, the power steering requires maintenance, namely fluid flushing. So, what is the power steering flush cost that you’ll pay?
On average, a professional power steering flush cost ranges between $95 to $130. If you decide to complete the flush yourself, the costs range from $20 to $300, depending on whether or not you own the necessary tools and materials. Each time you will purchase two new liters of power steering fluid that costs $20.
Let’s look at the importance of flushing the power steering fluid and the different costs you may incur.
What Is the Power Steering Flush Cost at Walmart?
The Auto Care Center at your local Walmart can complete several vehicle maintenance services such as oil changes and tire installations. However, the Walmart Auto Care Center does not provide power steering flush services.
Instead, during routine oil changes and lube services, their team will check the power steering fluid level. If it’s low, they will advise you after they complete the service. Then, you’ll need to visit a mechanic.
Even though there is no standalone power steering flush cost at Walmart, it’s a great place to pick up the tools that you need to complete it as a DIY project.
You can pick up the basic tools at Walmart for $90. The availability of fluid bleeder kits varies by store. Since Walmart allows customers to shop online, you can explore the inventory before driving to your nearest location. If a kit is not available in-store, check if shipping to your home is an option. Orders over $35 ship for free in most cases.
What Is the Power Steering Flush Cost at Meineke?
Since Meineke specializes in vehicle repair, its Car Care Center technicians can complete a power steering flush. Over the phone, technicians will give customers a rough estimate of $110 in Los Angeles.
To obtain a power steering fluid flush cost near me, contact the local Meineke in your area. Your other option is to schedule an appointment with them online or over the phone. This guarantees that you’ll receive service at a time that works for you.
Other car center care professionals that offer power steering fluid flushes include:
- Pep Boys $90
- Goodyear $100
- Jiffy Lube $100
Is It Worth It to DIY a Power Steering Flush?
Vehicle owners who enjoy maintaining their cars benefit from flushing the power steering system as a DIY project. You’ll gain more car maintenance knowledge and stay busy for a day or weekend. A proper DIY flush completes the job too.
Basic tools you’ll need for a DIY power steering flush include:
- Drip pan $3 each
- Funnel $1 each
- Jacks $50 each
- Gloves $9 per pair
- Rags $20 for 25
Next, pick up the correct replacement power steering fluid. To find it, read your vehicle’s owner’s manual first. Then, shop for it at your favorite retail or auto repair store.
For example, the fluid for a Honda Accord starts at $6 and runs to $80. The exact cost depends on how much you purchase, the brand, and where you live since taxes vary.
Power Steering Fluid Options
- Autozone Power Steering Fluid 32 ounces $6
- Autozone Honda Power Steering Fluid 32 ounces $7
- Prestone Power Steering Fluid 32 ounces $9
- Lucas Oil Products Power Steering Fluid 32 ounces $10
- Valvoline MaxLife Power Steering Fluid 32 ounces $10
For small vehicles, the power steering fluid price starts at $6 and reaches $80. Owners of the larger vehicles will see starting fluid prices at $10 that run to $80.
Professionals recommend picking up one-liter bottles to top off the power steering fluid. For a DIY flush, pick up two liters each time.
All DIY projects require a plan. You can manually DIY the power steering fluid flush or you can pick up a kit. One way to complete the flush on your own is to pick up a DIY fluid bleeding kit and a hand vacuum.
Can I Find a DIY Power Steering Flush Kit on Amazon?
Those who decide to flush the power steering fluid themselves can find a DIY power steering flush kit on Amazon. Moreover, you have options.
What does a Power Steering Flush Kit Cost?
A full fluid bleeder kit costs $100. If you find it on sale on Amazon, it costs $70. The kit contains a two-liter vacuum bleeder, hose, hose extension, and refilling bottle. It allows one person to complete the flush.
If you already own the vacuum bleeder, you only need the adapters. On Amazon, the adapter kit contains two EPDM adapters that hook up to a hand vacuum. It costs $41 at the regular price. If you find it on sale, it runs $28.
The adapters help the DIY’er bleed the fluid from the pump. They create a seal so that the fluid doesn’t leak or spill during the process.
Those who only need to purchase the vacuum will find a one-liter version for $33 on Amazon. Like shopping for anything else, DIYers will find low- and high-end tools for the fluid flush.
What’s the Difference between DIY vs Professional Power Steering Flush Costs?
On average, the total cost for a professional power steering flush you can expect is between $95 to $130. For DIYers, the cost ranges between $20 to $300. The total cost to DIY the flush depends on whether or not you already own the tools.
The initial investment to DIY the flush runs $200. The good news is that you can use the tools and equipment for other vehicle projects later on.
If you use a power steering flush kit, the process takes one to two hours to complete; the manual route takes up to three hours to finish. A complete flush requires six cycles to completely drain the pump; it also requires two people.
Is Power Steering Flush Necessary?
Flushing the power steering fluid is similar to flushing the engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Each one requires replenishment to keep the motor clean. Clean motors help the engine do its job better.
The power steering flush process removes particles that find their way inside of the engine. When the particles float around in the hoses, pumps, and gears, they cause damage. Plus, fluids become stale over time.
If you skip the fluid flushings, you’ll face other types of costs. For the power steering, some to consider are:
Possible Damages Due To Lack Of Proper Flushing
- Replacing a power steering system with new parts runs between $650 to $850 with professional labor.
- Without labor, the costs become $500 to $700.
- If you opt to use aftermarket parts, they lower the total by $200 to $500.
- Repairing the system runs between $350 to $500 with labor.
Power Steering Lifespan
All vehicles max out their lifespan since their parts start to wear out at different intervals. Eventually, the repairs and replacement costs become higher than the value of the vehicle.
Typically, the power steering system has a lifespan of 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Eventually, vehicle owners will replace it. However, schedule regular flushings to keep the pump in good shape. More importantly, the power steering maintenance pushes out the expenses tied to repairs and replacements.
When the power steering goes out, you’ll notice it. Turning the car right or left will require more muscle. Plus, you’ll hear whining noises. At that point, you’ll incur the power steering replacement cost instead of the power steering fluid flush price.
How Often Should You Change the Power Steering Fluid?
To keep the powering steering pump in good shape, have professionals flush the fluid once every two years or every 50,000 miles.
The power steering fluid service cost that vehicle owners can anticipate runs between $95 to $130, depending on your location. Your local mechanic in Los Angeles might charge $110 to complete the flush.
Your goal is to help the power steering system reach its maximum lifespan of 150,000 miles.
Is It Worth the Extra Cost to Service the Power Steering Fluid?
The power steering fluid flush service costs a fraction of the repair or replacement costs. Moreover, the power steering fluid flush cost is less than completing it as a DIY project.
In the long run, $130 once every two years becomes an investment as opposed to an expense.
Data shows that the average car owner keeps their car for 12 years or 200,000 miles. Vehicles require their first major maintenance service at 30,000 miles. Regular vehicle maintenance, including power steering fluid flushing, keeps the car running in good condition and prevents incurring extra costs.
Conclusion
Regular power steering fluid flushes are part of regular vehicle maintenance. Once every two years, you’ll pay between $95 to $130 for a professional power steering flush. If you decide to DIY the flush, expect to invest $200 in the tools and $20 for the fluid.