Replacing a power steering pump is a difficult task that should only be attempted by a professional. The cost of having this work done can range from $500 to $800, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Some pumps may also require the replacement of the hoses, which can add an additional $100 to the total cost.
So, what are the signs of a faulty power steering pump and how can you solve the issue?
The most common symptom of a bad power steering pump is difficulty turning the wheel. If your car is making grinding or whining noises, those are also signs that it's time to get your power steering pump checked out.
You may also notice fluid leaking from the area near the pump. At this point, you've got two options: you can try to fix the problem yourself or you can take it to a mechanic and have them do it for you.
While attempting home repairs may seem like an economical option, if done incorrectly, problems could be made worse and cause further damage down the line. It’s best to leave these kinds of jobs up to an experienced professional who knows what they’re doing.
Even with the added costs associated with having a professional replace your power steering pump, it’s still cheaper than buying a new car. So if you’re experiencing any issues with your power steering system, don’t wait until the problem worsens—seek help right away!
Only operate your vehicle if the power steering pump is operational. If the power steering stops working, do not continue to use the vehicle until you have replaced the pump. That is because driving without power steering assistance can put extra strain on the engine and other components, leading to more expensive repairs. Additionally, driving with a faulty power steering system is dangerous — it significantly reduces your ability to control the car, which could be deadly in certain situations.
Although your pump could last as long as your car with the proper care, it's more likely to fail sometime before 100,000 miles. In fact, premature failures at lower mileage are not uncommon.
How often must a power steering pump be replaced? In general, a car's power steering system will last from 100,000 to 150,000 miles before needing replacement. Nevertheless, it is usually an unnecessary cost.
To know where the leak is coming from, you can either get under your vehicle and try to pinpoint the area or have a professional do it for you. Places where leaks commonly come from are the pump, reservoir tank, high-pressure hose, return hose, or rack and pinion assembly. Below are estimated costs to repair or replace these components of your power steering system if they turn out to be leaking.
The average cost to repair a power steering pump is $200 - $350, whereas replacing the power steering pump costs $400 - $800 (depending on the car model and what shop you take it to).
There are several common causes of a power steering reservoir tank leak, such as the cap and hose connector. However, sometimes a clog in the filter of the reservoir tank can also cause problems, such as spills or noise while turning. The average cost to replace a power steering reservoir tank ranges from $150 to $250 depending on the vehicle and how difficult it is to access the reservoir.
A more budget-friendly and temporary way to replace the hose is by fixing it yourself. To do this, you'll need to buy a male-to-male brass coupler, 2 hose clamps, and a cutter from an auto parts store near you. This workaround should cost less than $10 in total and will allow you to hit the road again until you can completely replace the old hose - which is something you'll want to do soon since its condition has worsened significantly enough that other leaks are likely to develop.
The power steering high-pressure hose or power steering return hose will likely need to be replaced due to the crack and fluid leak. Parts for replacement will cost around $100-$300, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The labor costs associated with this fix would be $80-$160.
The price you will pay for this service depends on how much your mechanic charges per hour. The average hourly rate falls between $80 and $120, and the replacement should only take about an hour. So, with labor factored in, you're looking at a range of $180 to 460 dollars total.
The average cost to repair a rack and pinion assembly leak will most likely be $500-$1,200. This is significantly more expensive than other parts of the power steering system since you need to completely overhaul the steering rack and pinion.
Many automobilists don't pay attention to the power steering system until problems start to occur. So, it’s important to stay on top of regular maintenance and watch out for any warning signs of leaking or malfunctioning components. It is also a good idea to check the fluid reservoir monthly or every few months, especially if you have an older vehicle.
If you do find that your power steering pump needs replacing, don't wait too long — it's better (and cheaper) to replace it before more damage is done. Taking care of the problem early could save you from costly repairs down the line!
The cost to replace a power steering pump varies depending on the car model and shop you take it to. Generally, expect to pay around $400 - $800 for the replacement. However, other parts of the power steering system can also need repair or replacement such as the reservoir tank ($150 - $250), high-pressure hose ($100 - $300) or rack and pinion assembly ($500-$1,200). The best way to prevent needing repairs is by staying on top of regular maintenance and watching out for any warning signs of malfunctioning components. Taking care of the problem early could save you from costly repairs down the line!
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