The power steering pump is an essential part of the steering system. It makes the handling of the wheel easier, and when it starts failing it can have a marked impact on the drivability of the car.
Replacing it as soon as possible will be necessary, but there are various cost factors involved.
On average, replacing the power steering pump will cost between $400 and $1000 total. With parts costing around $200-$800 and labor averaging $200 to $300. The price will be affected primarily by the complexity of the installation and the amount of time it will take to perform.
If you’re having problems with your power steering pump, you should consider investing in a replacement. Read on below to find out more about the costs involved in this process.
The Cost of Replacing a Power Steering Pump
Pricing for a power steering pump replacement will vary and will depend on the cost of the necessary parts and the labor hours. It will also be influenced by what car model you have, as that will decide the complexity of the steering system.
These are the usual total prices for replacement power steering pumps in some of the most popular models.
| Chevrolet Silverado | $346-$647 |
|---|---|
| Ford Focus | $267-$334 |
| Toyota Corolla | $354-$600 |
| Honda Accord | $226-$439 |
| Nissan Altima | $340-$419 |
You will usually spend less than $1000 on this replacement unless the installation is either more difficult or lengthier than initially predicted. Make sure to ask a few shops what they can do for you before making the decision.
Cost of Replacing a Power Steering Pump on a Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado has a complex steering system and requires more time spent on installation as well as specific parts. You will usually spend between $175 and $406 on parts, and then between $189 and $241 on labor.
The total cost for this replacement will generally be between $346 and $647.
Cost of Replacing a Power Steering Pump on a Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is an affordable and reliable car, and this can be seen even when having to replace the power steering pump. For parts, you’ll tend to pay between $141 and $173, and on labor between $126 and $161.
The total cost will usually remain between $267 and $334.
Cost of Replacing a Power Steering Pump on a Toyota Corolla
A powers steering pump replacement on a Toyota Corolla will usually take between $204 and $409 on parts. The labor costs will be between $150 and $191. In total, you will generally pay between $354 and $600 for this model.
Cost of Replacing a Power Steering Pump on a Honda Accord
The average cost for parts for a replacement power steering pump for an Accord will be between $155 and $349. Labor will be between $71 and $90, which will bring the total to between $226 and $439.
Cost of Replacing a Power Steering Pump on a Nissan Altima
A replacement on the Nissan Altima will generally take between $246 and $298 on parts, while labor will be between $94 and $121. The usual total for a new power steering pump will be between $340 and $419.
Honda Civic Power Steering Pump Replacement Cost
Replacing the power steering pump in a Honda Civic typically costs around $500 to have it done professionally. You can save some money doing it yourself, since the parts cost between $80 and $250. Labor can cost anywhere from $250 to $500, depending on where you take it and your geographic location.
Let’s take a look at some sample vehicles and how much they actually paid to have their power steering pumps replaced to give you a better idea of what to expect.
| Sample Vehicle Year / Mileage | Location | Sample Cost |
| 2005 / 200k | Gilbert, AZ | $392 – $480 |
| 2009 / 120k | Phoenix, AZ | $540 – $660 |
| 2010 / 128k | West Covina, CA | $514 – $630 |
| 2008 / 146k | Laveen, AZ | $540 – $660 |
| 2016 / 65k | Aubrey, TX | $280 – $350 |
| 2004 / 200k | Bloomington, CA | $330 – $400 |
| 2008 / 140k | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | $470 – $580 |
| 2010 / 119k | Vancouver, WA | $514 – $630 |
| 2009 / 140k | Giblert, AZ | $485 – $595 |
| 2008 / 180k | Chandler, AZ | $485 – $595 |
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Power Steering Pump?
Replacing a power steering pump requires between 3 and 5 hours on average. This is what tends to drive the costs up because each labor hour that passes will require more money. You can attempt a DIY replacement to save on costs, but you may not be able to do it properly.
When a complex replacement like this is at stake, you should only do it if you have established expertise in doing it. If not, it’s always best to leave your car in the hands of professionals.
In the long run, this may even be the most cost-effective solution. Getting a quality replacement installed correctly will save you time, effort, and the need to replace the power steering pump again soon.
How Does a Power Steering Pump Get Replaced?
These are the usual steps that will be taken by specialists when replacing a power steering pump:
- They will first run a diagnosis check to establish that the power steering pump is causing the issue with the steering system.
- They will then remove the faulty power steering pump and install the new one.
- Once the new power steering pump has been installed, mechanics will also replace the power steering fluid.
- The mechanics will then do further checks around the steering system to make sure the faulty one didn’t cause any damage in the surrounding area.
- The last check will involve spotting potential leaks and then taking the car for a test drive. This will establish that the new power steering pump is functioning correctly.
Should You Drive with a Bad Power Steering Pump?
If you’re starting to notice issues with the steering system that seem to be caused by a bad power steering pump, you should immediately seek out a mechanic.
If the pump is still slightly operational, you’ll be able to continue using the steering wheel for short distances. The process will likely be harder than you’re used to without the pump.
If you don’t get to a mechanic before the power steering pump becomes fully inoperational, you may not be able to continue driving. It is always best to seek professional help for this issue as soon as you notice the signs.
This will also help prevent further damage to the steering system.
Signs that You Have a Faulty Power Steering Pump
These are some of the most common signs of a power steering pump becoming defective:
- Noises: You may start noticing high-pitched or whining noises when you are steering. If you only hear them while operating the wheel, it’s a good indication that something is going wrong with the power steering pump. If you don’t take the car to a mechanic in time, the noises will become worse and will eventually sound like groaning.
- Slow steering: When the power steering pump starts having issues, you’ll notice that the steering system will respond slower to your input. The wheel may also feel more rigid than usual when you try to turn it.
- Leaks: Power fluid may start leaking from the power steering pump when the latter is experiencing issues. Checking the fluid will be essential in determining that the pump is faulty. The liquid will have a darker color than normal and may even contain chrome flakes from the pump.
Why You Should Replace the Power Steering Pump
You should always preserve the integrity of your steering system by making sure that you have a working power steering pump. This will make the system work effectively and will make your life easier when you’re driving.
Power steering pumps were not included in older vehicles, which is what makes them harder to drive. A steering system in good working order will allow the handling of the steering wheel to be much smoother, which will make the car respond better.
How Does the Steering System Work?
Steering systems that include the power steering pump usually have six parts: the reservoir tank, the power steering pump assembly, the power steering fluid return hose, the power steering fluid, the high-pressure hydraulic hose, and a power steering rack to contain everything.
This hydraulics system has the power steering pump at its core. This element is in charge of sending pressurized power steering fluid to the steering pump. This is what makes the steering wheel easier to handle, especially when turning is involved.
Once the steering wheel receives the fluid, it sends it back to the pump through a hose, and then this cyclical process resumes. This process will be ongoing as long as the engine is kept running.
The steering system facilitates the handling of the car, and it depends on the quality of the power steering pump.
How Often Does a Power Steering Pump Need to Be Replaced?
If you adhere to a regular maintenance schedule for your car, you won’t usually have to worry about the power steering pump until you hit 100,000 miles.
Check-ups of the steering system become even more important with second-hand vehicles because you won’t know how much wear the pump already has.
The more wear the power steering pump suffers, the more quickly it will have to be replaced. Taking care of it should be an essential part of routine servicing checks.
If you take care of the power steering pump, it will usually hold on for a long time without any significant issues. Having the power steering pump regularly checked may also help you notice that it’s starting to suffer from wear before it needs to be fully replaced.
If the issue is minimal, professionals may be able to extend its life, which will require less of an investment.
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Bottom Line
You will usually spend between $400 and $1000 when replacing a power steering pump. The labor costs will have a big effect on the price if the installation becomes too complex and time-consuming.
The cost will also be affected the model of the car you’re driving. Despite this, you should always replace the power steering pump as soon as you notice problems.