power steering pump as hydraulic pump pricelist

You’ve started noticing a whining noise when you turn, a squealing when you start your car, and your steering feels different while you drive. You go to a repair shop, and they tell you it’s time to replace your power steering pump. How much should you expect to pay to get it replaced? What’s involved in the job?

The power steering system assists in turning the steering wheel. Without it, you would have to work a lot harder to turn the wheel, especially at low speeds or when stopped. Power steering is something a lot of people probably take for granted. If you’ve ever hopped behind the wheel of an older car that doesn’t have it, you know what a difference power steering makes.

Manufacturers are now moving to electric power steering systems, which do not utilize a pump. Fuel economy improves without the pump sapping power from the engine.

A fluid leak is not a direct cause of failure, but if enough fluid leaks from the system, the pump will be operating with less than adequate lubrication.

Now that you understand power steering and the function of the pump, we can start talking about the replacement itself. The cost of a repair is split into two categories: labor and parts.

Unfortunately, there is no exact price for labor either. On some vehicles, the pump is easily accessible and requires little disassembly to get to it. The time it takes the technician to replace the pump determines the labor cost. A readily accessible pump will cost far less to replace than one that requires a lot of wrenching to reach. At Becker Service Center, our labor rate is $138 an hour.

While the price of this repair can vary, expect to pay between $500 and $800 to get your power steering pump replaced. Depending on your car, the cost could exceed that price, or fall below it. The best way to know for sure is to talk with the service advisors are your repair shop.

Becker Service Center is your destination for power steering service in Naperville. Our team of technicians and friendly service advisors will provide you with the best service and competitive prices on this repair, getting you back on the road with functional power steering fast, the first time. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today!

What is the first question many people ask when they have a failing car part? The answer is of course - How much will it cost? If you’ve got a bad power steering pump, chances are you’re asking that question right now.

The cost of a power steering pump replacement typically ranges between $400 and $1,000. The range is so broad because the cost depends on several factors.

It’s understandable if you’re feeling sticker shock right now. The cost can be pretty high because of: The complexity of replacing power steering pump assembly.

It takes about 4 hours to replace a power steering pump. Depending on where you live, a shop can charge you between $50 and $125 per hour for labor. Ultimately, having a shop replace the power steering pump for you will likely cost between $200 and $500 in labor alone.

Labor is usually cheaper if you replace the power steering pump yourself. It depends on how much you value your time on an hourly basis, and how experienced you are.

You can actively seek out the best value in terms of quality, fitment, and the seller. But, there’s not much you can do when it comes to the complexity of the assembly. The power steering pump on some older Honda models, such as Accords from the late 70s and the early 80s, have simpler assemblies than those on newer models, such as this one designed for 2012-2015 Pilots. Generally, power steering pumps with more complex assemblies cost more than those with simpler assemblies.

To get the most bang for your buck, you want to: Get an OEM power steering pump assembly: While you could get an aftermarket pump assembly, it’s not really a good idea to do so. Aftermarket pumps are usually made with universal internal components, and made with low quality materials (which also causes early failure). OEM pumps are built to your car’s specs (guaranteeing exact fitment) and with high quality materials. This ensures that you won’t run into power steering pump problems again anytime soon. Aftermarket pumps may cost a little less upfront, but it’s common for them to cause problems and cost you more money in the long run.

Buy the pump assembly from an online genuine OEM Honda parts seller: Do you want to buy an OEM replacement assembly at a good price? Order one online from a reputable OEM Honda parts seller like HondaPartsOnline.net. Avoid getting one at a shop or Honda dealership because they usually mark up the price by about 30%. We sell OEM Honda parts at wholesale prices. Search here to find an OEM replacement power steering pump here at a reasonable price.

With CarAdvise, rest assured that the price for your selected services will always be lower than in-store retail price. If it isn"t, don"t sweat - we"ll match plus give you an additional 5% discount off the entire order. You"re sure to drive away happy and save some coin too - talk about an unbeatable combo.National average cost of a Power Steering Pump Replacement

A power steering pump uses hydraulic pressure to make it easier for a driver to turn the steering wheel. Power steering is featured on nearly all vehicles today. Without power-assisted steering, turning the wheel would be very difficult, especially when traveling slowly, when stopped, or while parking. Although the automotive industry is beginning to see many late-model vehicles that feature electric-assist power steering systems, still the majority rely on hydraulic power. The power steering pump is the heart of the system, pressurizing the oil (power steering fluid) to exert force - up to 1000 psi in some vehicles - for steering assist.How do I know if my power steering pump needs to be replaced?

Upon inspection, you (or a technician) notice metallic particles inside the power steering fluid reservoirThere are 0 shops within 20 miles of your location.

The procedure to replace a power steering pump varies a good deal depending on the vehicle make and model. Generally speaking, pump replacement on a transverse-mounted engine (the configuration in front-wheel drive vehicles) is more difficult than on other designs. Because of the pump’s proximity to the vehicle’s frame and inner fender, there is little room for access, and the job often requires more tools.

If you drive with a bad power steering pump, understand that turning the steering wheel will be significantly harder than it should. It can even be dangerous. Consider what might happen if the power steering pump fails completely when you are turning through an intersection, or trying to avoid a collision. The sudden loss of steering assist can make a maneuver nearly impossible. And if the pump pulley seizes, the serpentine belt will fail and cause other serious issues, such as an overheated engine, a dead battery, and a lack of climate control inside your vehicle.

A power steering pump can suffer damage if you allow the fluid level to get too low in the reservoir. If the fluid becomes contaminated and is not replaced, damage can occur. And if you turn the steering wheel all the way to one direction, where it is up against the lock (where it stops turning) for a long period of time, you can cause pressure surges that lead to premature pump failure.RELATED PARTS

We’ve partnered with the best in the industry such as Firestone, Pep Boys, JiffyLube, Canadian Tire, NTB, Meineke, Tire Kingdom, AAMCO, Monro, FCA dealerships and many independent shops across the country.

This article will discuss some of the tell-tale signs of power steering pump failure and what options are available for replacement. We will start with a brief overview of the system itself.

A power steering system in a car uses hydraulic fluid to assist the driver in turning the steering wheel of their vehicle. The pump for the power steering pressurizes the fluid in this system and makes the entire process possible.

Power steering pumps are typically located high up on the engine, near the serpentine belt, or on top of the engine where it meets the crankshaft. Some electrical power steering pumps can be located more towards the base of the steering column.

Before doing any work on your vehicle, it’s essential to refer to the specific model specifications to figure out what type of pump you’ll be dealing with to gather its exact location.

The power steering pump circulates power steering fluid under pressure, enabling the hydraulic piston to move in the steering gearbox. This allows drivers in cars with these systems to turn with ease. Being able to properly and safely steer the vehicle is extremely important. This is why maintaining this system should be a priority for maintenance.

Often an early sign of issues with the power steering, a vehicle that gets noisy when turned is likely having some kind of problem with the power steering. It may just be low on power steering fluid, or it could be signs of a more significant issue.

It’s not just noisy steering that could be a sign of trouble. A squealing noise upon the vehicle starting could also be an indication that there’s an issue with the power steering. Typically this squealing sound takes a moment or two to stop after the car has been started.

A cracked power steering pump can leak fluid. Red/brown puddles underneath your vehicle could be a sign that the pump is damaged and needs replacement.

If you have the power steering fluid checked and it’s a grey color or has metal flakes in it, there could be an issue at hand signaling that the pump is failing.

If steering isn’t necessarily tricky but is relatively slow to respond, this could be a sign that the pump is failing. Vehicle response on turns should be easy and immediate.

Assuming no cracks or leaks, it is possible for the power steering pump to still occasionally run low on fluid. Fluid should be maintained in accordance with the recommended levels.

Sometimes simply making sure there is enough fluid will alleviate the problem. But if the fluid level drops in a short amount of time, there may be an issue with the pump itself.

Power steering pumps are not typically considered repairable items within the realm of DIY mechanic work. It is generally advised that a complete replacement of a bad pump be performed if you’re taking the DIY route.

Replacing your power steering pump will save a good chunk of money compared to having it performed by a pro. But do realize that this procedure involves the need for tools, flushing the power steering fluid, possibly using a pulley press, etc.

If a vehicle has been serviced properly and the issue isn’t too extensive, a professional mechanic may repair rather than replace the power steering pump. This is typically a little bit more economically friendly of an option.

However, take note of your mechanic’s advice, as doing a repair when a replacement is warranted might be more costly in the long run if you have to bring the vehicle right back into the shop.

If the damage to the pump is too extensive or the vehicle has not been well maintained, then a professional will likely recommend a full-on replacement.

Having a professional do the work of replacing the pump with a new part will likely be the most expensive route. However, if you lack the tools or know-how needed to do this process, it’s likely the safest bet. This is particularly true if the pump replacement is a very involved process for a particular make and model of a car.

DIY power steering pump replacement is typically just the cost of the new pump, which can range between $100-$200. To have the pump replaced by a professional typically ranges between $500-$800, depending on the vehicle’s make and model.

To have the hose for the pump replaced costs can vary between $180-$450 when done by a professional. The part itself will run between roughly $60-$240. The wide range of prices is due to the cost difference between aftermarket and OEM (manufacturer) parts.

Most vehicles these days have power steering which allows you to turn the steering wheel smoothly without having to apply too much strength or pressure to it. Power steering works because of a pump that allows power steering fluid to flow into the gear for the steering.

This pump and gear are responsible for applying the proper amount of assistance so that the steering wheel can turn easily for the driver. Without the power steering pump, power steering would not be possible.

Power steering pumps will often last for years and sometimes even the lifetime of a vehicle. But not always. At some point, the possibility of the power steering pump failing in your vehicle may come up and it will likely be obvious when this happens.

There are plenty of signs you may notice when this starts to happen. Below are five of the most common symptoms to look out for when the power steering pump goes bad.

The most common symptom you will experience is when you have difficulty turning the steering wheel. When you go to make a turn (especially at low speeds), the steering wheel will feel very stiff and you’ll have to use a lot of strength and force just to make a basic turn.

When you try to turn your steering wheel, you might hear a whining noise. This is an indication that a problem exists inside of your power steering system.

The whining noise could be due to many reasons, one of which being that the power steering pump has a leak in it. Either that or the power steering fluid might be too low. But you’ll want to check on both just in case.

The reason for this likely has to do with a bad power steering pump that is making the belt inside the system slip. This means you must replace the pump and realign your belt.

This is the worst noise of them all. If you have neglected to repair or replace your already dysfunctional power steering pump, it will eventually make groaning noises.

Checking the power steering fluid can tell you a lot about the condition of the power steering pump. Aside from assuring there is an adequate amount of power steering fluid in the system, you’ll also want to check to see the color and condition of the fluid.

The cost of replacing a power steering pump will generally vary depending on which mechanic you bring it to and the make and model of your vehicle. However, on average, the total cost of replacing a power steering pump will be somewhere between $390 and $650. This price is comprised of the labor cost and parts cost.

The average labor cost is at least $200 and at the most $270.The average parts cost is at least $190 and at the most $380. Unless you are a skilled mechanic, it wouldn’t be worth trying to replace this pump yourself. So, it is worth spending the extra money on the labor to get it done right.

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The power steering pump is a belt-driven or electric-driven hydraulic pump that generates the hydraulic pressure needed to provide power steering assist. It develops output pressures of 1,000 PSI or more. The pump output is directed to the steering gear, often a rack and pinion type unit, where the hydraulic pressure pushes on the steering rack, greatly reducing the effort it would otherwise take to turn the steering wheel.

Groaning or whining noise when turning. Noise can occur if there is wear on the pump bearings or impeller vanes. A low fluid level or trapped air can also cause noises. If the pump has already been operating while dry, adding fluid may not resolve the noise and replacement of the pump might be necessary.

Power steering fluid leaks. Leaks can develop at pump seals, threaded connections, hoses, or on the steering rack and pinion unit. Pump seal leaks will generally require a replacement.

Difficult steering. Should you notice it is harder to turn the steering wheel, it might mean the power steering pump output pressure is too low, or there could be blockages in the pump or lines.

Damage to the pump pulley. Should the pump pulley become damaged or is loose on the pump shaft, you might detect vibration, drive belt damage, or hard steering. Either the pulley will have to be serviced or the pump assembly replaced.

If driven by a drive belt, the power steering pump is bolted to the engine via a bracket that allows for adjustment of the pump drive belt. Once the engine is cold, and safe to work on, the drive belt is removed.

If driven by an electric pump, the pump may be mounted in conjunction with the steering shaft or in conjunction with the steering rack. With either a drive belt or electric pump, removal of any dash, panel, or steering components is performed to access the pump.

The new pump is bolted on, the pressure and return hoses attached and the system is bled of all air. If pump is belt-driven, it is tightened to the manufacturer’s specification.

Finally, the engine is run and the car is road tested to confirm normal steering effort. If a new drive belt was installed, belt tension is measured again, and adjusted as needed, after the belt has run for a few minutes.

No. If the power steering pump is operated without an adequate amount of fluid, and the pump reservoir will not hold fluid due to a large leak. The pump could seize, which would snap the serpentine belt and likely leave you stranded. If the pump turns and there is adequate fluid, but there is no power assist, it will require much greater effort to turn the steering wheel, and that presents inherent safety risks. Generally, the wisest course is to seek immediate repairs if you suspect a problem with any component in your car’s power steering system.

Any belts driving the pump should be inspected and replaced as needed. The pump will only produce the required hydraulic pressure if it is driven by the belt at an adequate speed.

Power steering leaks from aged rubber hoses, particularly where the rubber is crimped to the steel tube, are not unusual and should be carefully inspected. The system operates under high pressure. The fluid is flammable, and if leaking fluid happens to contact a hot engine part, a fire might result. You always want to be sure the hoses and connections are sound.

Power steering systems are relatively simple systems and surprisingly enough, they are one of the few systems that are extremely similar from vehicle to vehicle, regardless of the make or manufacturer.  The main difference in power steering systems is whether your vehicle uses a rack and pinion to turn the wheels or a steering gear and drag link setup.  Usually older vehicles and larger trucks will utilize a steering gear which is simply a gearbox that turns the rotary motion of your steering wheel into linear motion of a swinging arm.  Most small cars and newer vehicles utilize a rack and pinion to accomplish the same task.  The rack and pinion is usually mounted under your engine either just in front of, or just behind your front axles.

Whether your vehicle has rack and pinion or steering gear, the assistance to the driver is provided by hydraulic pressure.  This hydraulic pressure aids in moving the wheels when the driver turns the steering wheel.  The hydraulic pressure is guided through a series of passages to assist in moving the pitman arm or tie rods.  This hydraulic pressure is provided by your power steering pump.  The power steering pump on most vehicles is attached to the motor and driven by a belt connected to the engine’s crankshaft.  You can identify the power steering pump usually by its large pulley.  The pulley will likely be 4” to 6” in diameter and the pump should have 2 hoses attached to it.  The power steering pump fluid reservoir will either be integral to the pump, or close by attached by a hose.

If you’re asking about power steering pump cost, then you’ve most likely identified a problem with yours.  Usually, power steering pump problems manifest themselves in the form of a whining or whirring noise that changes with engine RPM but not vehicle speed.  Before you spend the money on a new power steering pump, we recommend doing a few other checks first to make sure that you actually need a new pump.  Power steering pumps are relatively robust, so they are hard to damage even if they are run dry for a long time.

Start by doing a little research on your vehicle.  Some late model cars and trucks are known to have noisy power steering pumps and owners can get 10s of thousands of miles out of these power steering pumps before they fail.  A little research might show you’ve got one of these vehicles and you don’t need a new power steering pump just yet.

Next, you can try removing the engine belt and inspecting the pump and pulley.  Check for leaks around the pulley where the shaft goes into the actual pump.  You can also grab ahold of the pulley and try spinning it by hand.  It should spin with a little resistance, but not feel lumpy or like it binds anywhere in its rotation.  Also, the pulley should not wobble at all.  Any of these symptoms in your pump would indicate bad pump bearings and would require replacement of your pump.  If this is the case, the best way to find the best price on a pump is to call all of your area auto parts suppliers and ask for pricing.  You can start by calling the list of auto parts stores below.

Lastly, you can check the fluid level and condition.  Worn or dirty power steering fluid can lose its fluid characteristics making it a poor lubricant and can cause noise.  Also, if the fluid is foamy, it can indicate a leak on the low-pressure side of the system allowing air to enter the fluid and cause noise as well.

Lastly, a low power steering fluid level can often cause your pump to whine as it allows air to enter the fluid and as the pump intermittently runs dry.  A low power steering fluid level always indicates a leak somewhere in your system.  If you didn’t find a leak when you were inspecting your power steering pump, check the hoses and the rack or steering gear.  If you find a leaking hose you can simply replace that hose.  If you find a leak in your rack or steering gear, use BlueDevil Power Steering Stop leak to seal the leak and get things back to normal.

A liquid reservoir powers power steering pump price at neutral pressure (atmospheric pressure), then this latter compresses it to reach an outlet pressure at the order of 60-80 bars. If you opt for belt power steering systems, this is your lucky day as we bring you some of the best power steering pulleys at preferential wholesale prices. We also have some pumps with integrated power steering pump reservoirs. This type of steering pump connects to the rack through a high-pressure steering pump hose.

There are two main types of power steering pump price. The hydraulic power steering pumps are considered as an old version of steering pumps, and they need to be equipped with the belt to run properly. Electric power steering pumps, on the other hand, don"t require any accessories circuit. As the name suggests, they have an electric motor to pressurize the steering fluid.

You should replace your power steering pump when observing any of the following signs: growls in the direction, the steering system no longer works, or fluid leakage in the power steering system. Once you identify that your steering pump is faulty, you can search for a new power steering pump price in our collections. We are sure you will be pleased with the affordable cost of our power steering pump price.

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The cost of replacing a power steering pump is determined by a number of factors.  This includes the type of pump, the car you drive and the mechanic repairing the pump.

Depending on the car you drive, the power steering pump itself can cost anywhere from $25 to as much as $250 for the part.  Again, this is for the part only.

Your Mechanic, for instance, says the average price they were quoted from multiple mechanics across the United States was inside the $290 to $500 range.

The type of part has a direct effect on the bottom-line cost.  OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts typically have the highest prices, while aftermarket parts, which are usually classified into two to three tiers, are the second most expensive.

Original equipment can be rebuilt or re-manufactured by vehicle manufacturers, who normally promote them as “original equipment.”  These rebuilt or re-manufactured parts often cost more than similar components that are not original equipment.  In many instances, new replacement parts and rebuilt parts have similar quality to “original equipment” parts.  Other types may cost significantly less but are not customarily of equal quality and may not give adequate functioning.

Power steering pump prices vary by vehicle model.  In general, a power steering pump for a regular domestic car costs $120 to $160 and about $200 to $700 for a foreign luxury car.

The price of a power steering pump may also depend on the year of make and vehicle model.  For example, a re-manufactured (OE replacement) Motorcraft power steering pump for a 2005 Ford F-150 costs $162.43.  The same pump with the same condition but one that fits a 2009 model of the same vehicle costs $186.41.

During the repair, the mechanic will first verify the power steering pump is bad.  If so, the power steering fluid may be flushed, and he or she will bleed the system.  Then, the belt, reservoir and rack and pinion system will be inspected.  If any of these parts are going bad, then they will recommend a replacement at the time while everything is exposed.  Lastly, the mechanic will check for any leaks and the power steering pump will be replaced.

When replacing the power steering pump, the mechanic will inspect the power steering belt and hoses.  If these parts need to be replaced, this will be an additional cost to consider.

While most mechanics will include the power steering fluid in their quote, some mechanics may charge an additional fee for the power steering fluid flush.

Buying a power steering pump, if you were to do the job on your own, may also involve purchasing additional parts such as mounting bracket sets (which include a billet aluminum bracket, spacers and hardware), power steering hose kits (including reservoir and hardware), and/or pulleys.

If you purchase the power steering pump from an online retailer, shipping fees may apply  Since the power steering pump can be heavy, these charges may be higher than normal.

A sign of a bad steering pump may include difficult steering, the power steering fluid is leaking and/or a groaning-like noise is coming from the steering wheel console.

If you have sufficient knowledge about replacing a power steering pump, you can carry out the procedure yourself and save on labor cost.  PopularMechanics.com can show you how to replace a power steering pump.

If you are taking your car to a mechanic to have the power steering pump replaced, see if you can bring a part in.  Some mechanics may agree to this, but don’t be surprised if many deny your request. Dealerships, unfortunately, will never consider due to the safety concerns and dealer standards.

Prior to having your power steering pump replaced at an auto shop, make sure to ask several shops about their labor rates and the quality of their services before making a decision.

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This product carries our 12 Month Limited Warranty. All warranties are limited to the original purchaser and are not transferable to subsequent owners of the product. The warranty period begins on the purchase date.

Specifically excluded from this warranty are failures caused by lack of maintenance, misuse, negligence, modification, abuse, improper application, crash damage, installation or operation, or failures caused by unauthorized service or use of unauthorized parts.

Additionally excluded from this warranty are parts which are subject to normal wear and tear, such as bushings, fluids, hoses, gaskets, belts, etc. Products not manufactured by Trail-Gear Inc. are excluded from any warranty and shall be handled with the original manufacturer.

All parts used in a competitive racing environment are excluded from this warranty. If, after inspection, a part returned, under any warranty, is deemed to be ineligible for warranty repair or replacement, the part may be repaired or replaced for a discounted cost. Return shipping charges will apply. Any part for which a warranty replacement is sought must be returned to Trail-Gear Inc. before any replacement items can be shipped. All replacement parts shipped before the suspect part has been received and evaluated by Trail-Gear, MUST BE PAID IN FULL. In such a case, after the suspect part has been received and approved for a warranty replacement, the purchase price for the replacement will be refunded.

Please contact Trail-Gear Inc. at 559-252-4950 or email sales@trail-gear.com prior to returning any product(s) under warranty to verify that warranty is still in effect.

If you’re having steering issues, your steering wheel is suddenly difficult to control, or you can’t steer at all, the power steering fluid is a likely culprit.

Eventually, the issue could come down to a failing pump – meaning the fluid in your power steering system isn’t pressurized enough, is pressurized at the wrong time, or otherwise doesn’t operate the hydraulic-assisted steering correctly.

The average cost to replace a power steering pump is $300-$500. This includes $100-$200 for the pump itself and $100-$300 in labor for your mechanic. Depending on your vehicle, the total cost can be as low as $200 or as high as $2800.

The largest price factor for a power steering pump is the cost of labor. However, if you have a luxury or performance car, the part itself could also cost significantly more.

For example, in the chart above, you can see that the range for power steering pumps from a single supplier can be well above 10x in difference. For YourMechanic, the smallest and lowest difference are between a Ford and a Porsche.

*Note: Prices are estimates and were correct at the time of writing (March 2022). Cost estimates may have changed since, our figures should be used as a starting point for your own research.

If you’re replacing your power steering pump, the two most important factors are the make and model of your vehicle and who’s doing the work.These will make up about 90% of the total costs.

On the other hand, other factors like the cost of your power steering fluid, any other damage to the system, etc., can also impact the total cost of your repair.

If you have a Ford F150 or another similarly popular vehicle, everyone will have done the repair, will know how much time it takes, and will be able to easily offer a quote because they know what the job entails.

Another cost factor is the condition and brand of the part.For example, if you buy a brand-new original equipment manufacturer power steering pump, you’ll pay top dollar for it. Sometimes that’s the right call, especially if your vehicle is relatively new.

Finally, remanufactured parts are used parts that are rebuilt to meet the original standards. You might also choose secondhand parts, although with pumps, which can fail because of leaking seals inside, that’s not always advisable.

For example, for many jobs, labor can cost more than the pump. That’s because it takes an average of 2-3 hours to pull the pump out and put a new one in.

Finally, there are always small costs related to replacing a power steering pump.E.g., you’re going to need new power steering fluid. That can range in cost from around $6 to upwards of $30 per liter and you need 4 liters (on average).

You might also need new seals, new power steering lines, new valves, or a new reservoir. These are all cheap parts, but costs can add up if you have to replace all of them.

If your steering is groaning, whining, screeching, or grinding, it’s time to check the steering assembly.These kinds of noises can come from anywhere in the front end and can come from the steering or the suspension.

E.g., if your tie rods are bad, your car will grind and rattle when steering in one direction. But, if you’re getting screeching and grinding when you accelerate or when you turn in other directions, it’s more likely to be the power steering pump or the belt.

On the other hand, it could also mean that the electrical assistance on your power steering is out – so you might want to check that as well. That, plus a quick fluid check, will usually eventually point to the pump if everything else is fine.

However, this might be a sign of issues in the lines, in the drive shaft, or even the reservoir. Often, it can mean the bearings in the pump are going out or have gone out or that the seals in the pump are going out.

When your power steering pump starts to go bad, you’ll notice the steering wheel gets heavier. Here, you’ll notice it most when de-accelerating or driving slowly.

The worse the pump gets; the harder steering will get. That’s because the pump is unable to maintain the pressure needed for the hydraulics, meaning you’ll be doing more turning the wheel yourself.

That can be significant, and it can be dangerous to drive, especially if you don’t have the muscle to manually turn your car (which most people do not have). If you’re having difficulty steering your car, it is dangerous to drive.

If you want to replace the power steering pump in your car, you can often do so yourself.In most cases, this job is relatively easy. However, there can be significant differences in how vehicles are put together.

For example, in some cars, you can access the power steering pump without moving anything out of the way. In others, you’ll have to disassemble a large part of the electronics under the hood to reach the pump.

Disconnect the power steering pressure and return hoses. These normally clip on. However, yours might have clamps with flat screwdrivers. They might also bolt on. In most cases, you can remove the first with a pair of pliers and the second with a crowfoot wrench.

Remove the pulley bolts using a wrench and puller. You might want to mark them and the setting with a marker or chalk, so they are easier to put back in.

Take the pulley press and screw the hub press on the through bolt for the pulley. Grease the pulley and the hub pump. Then, place the pulley on the pump. Attach the bolt. Then, tighten the hub press against the pulley until the pulley is aligned with the other equipment and./or your marks. From there, all you have to do is remove the hub press and through bolt.

Use a flat and straight bar or wood to adjust the pulley until it’s in line with the crank shaft. If you made markings earlier, this will be easier. The pulley should be in line with the crankshaft pulley.

Most people also prefer to test the system and possibly flush it before actually replacing the pump. However, likely, at this stage you’ve already done that.

Most power steering pumps will last for 5-10 years, often for the lifetime of the car.Normally, you should expect at least 100,000-150,000 miles out of the pump.

This, in turn, can block the timing belt – causing your engine to seize up. While this case is unlikely, it can happen, because you’re using hydraulics and a belt-driven pump.

Power steering was created in 1951 to help drivers turn their vehicles with ease. During a time when cars started getting bigger and heavier, this was a welcome advancement in technology. It takes more energy to move something with more mass, especially at low speeds.

Classic power steering uses a power steering pump that moves pressurized hydraulic fluid to provide assist, while some modern designs use an electric motor instead.

Hydraulic power steering is often said to provide better steering feel, but with recent advancements in electric power steering this is not always the case. Electric power steering systems often require no maintenance and provide marginally better fuel economy, as they lack a power steering pump and are not driven from the accessory belt.

Keep reading to understand how a hydraulic power steering pump works, what the symptoms of a bad power steering pump are, and how much it costs to replace the pump if it fails.

Power steering fluid is pressurized by a power steering pump and sent from the reservoir through the output of the pump to the steering gear. The pump is powered when the vehicle is running via a pulley attached to the vehicle’s accessory belt.

The fluid applies pressure to the steering gear which turns the wheels. This pressure increases as the engine speed increases. Since there must be sufficient pressure to turn the wheels while at idle, the pressure at high engine speeds is often more than necessary. This excess pressure is dissipated with a pressure-relief valve.

The car is not supposed to apply steering assist to the wheels when the steering wheel is not being turned, so a sensor called the rotary valve determines when the wheel is being turned by means of a torsion bar that twists as torque is applied.

One end of the torsion bar is connected to the steering wheel and the other end is connected to the steering gear. This ensures the amount of torque applied at the steering wheel is equal to the amount applied to the wheels. This is how the driver controls how much the front wheels are turned.

Steering effort is significantly higher on vehicles with a broken power steering pump, to the point where certain people in certain vehicles may not even be able to turn the wheel at all! In general, the heavier the vehicle, the harder the wheel will be to turn without the assist.

Note: Steering a vehicle with malfunctioning power steering will likely be more difficult than steering the same vehicle in a trim that was not equipped with power steering in the first place. This is due to the resistance of the power steering components, which create drag on the system that a driver must overcome. Additionally, manual (non-powered) steering ratios are often slower, which means the driver has more leverage over the front wheels.

All parts on a car have a limited lifespan and the power steering pump is no exception. Keep an eye (and ear) out for these abnormal behaviors which could signal a problem with the steering pump and have it inspected by a mechanic if you notice any of them to prevent irreversible damage to your pump.

Power steering fluid is a crucial component of the pump, so running the pump low on power steering fluid can cause problems. The pump can also be physically damaged due to wear or age.

The reservoir for the power steering fluid is found under the hood and is often on the passenger’s side of the vehicle, though it depends on how the engine is mounted. Check the level of fluid to ensure it’s within the proper range. There should be a low and a full mark on the reservoir.

If you see any leaks between the pump and the reservoir, the affected part should be repaired before the vehicle is driven much more to limit damage. The power steering fluid is usually red or red-brown, so seeing a puddle of this color below the vehicle is a pretty big clue that something may be wrong with the power steering pump.

While checking the level in the reservoir, note the color of the power steering fluid. If it’s gray, this indicates that it has oxidized and won’t function as it should. Oxidation can happen when an excess of air enters the system as it could through a faulty power steering pump.

A bad pump can sometimes cause metal flakes (gray or chrome) in the power steering fluid. Metal rubbing on metal and simply material wearing away due to deterioration can each be the culprit.

This is a common symptom when the accessory belt is loose, but it could also be an indication that the power steering pump is going bad. Before replacing the pump, first check to make sure the tension on the accessory belt is set correctly.

Other unusual noises can be caused by a faulty power steering pump. Groaning is worse than whining because it usually signals a lack of sufficient fluid, which can ruin other parts in the power steering system. Either sound can also be caused by a bearing that has been knocked out of place.

This whining or groaning often intensifies as the engine speed (RPM) increases and as the steering wheel turns. If you hear abnormal sounds when you turn your steering wheel, try going to a safe place such as a lightly-traveled road and drive in a manner of different ways (like accelerating, decelerating, starting, and turning various degrees) to find the condition(s) that causes problems.

Note: Some power steering pumps will groan when held at full lock for more than a couple seconds. This is somewhat normal, but doing this for more than a moment is pretty hard on the power steering pump and should be avoided when possible.

Turning the steering wheel should immediately turn the front tires, as expected. If you turn the steering wheel and the vehicle’s tires have to play “catch-up”, something could be wrong with the power steering pump.

This can be dangerous because when the vehicle doesn’t react to the driver’s input as expected, reaction time is increased as the driver may have to correct their initial input. This can even cause a collision if the driver tries to swerve to avoid something or someone but the vehicle doesn’t respond as it should.

This condition could indicate other problems with the steering components or front suspension components as well, and should be addressed as soon as possible.

A vehicle with power steering should be fairly easy to turn. If your vehicle’s steering seems unusually heavy and is hard to turn, it’s a good idea to have the power steering pump checked out.

Having the power steering pump replaced by a professional has a wide variance in cost depending on where it’s done and on the vehicle being repaired. The average cost is between $350 and $700.

Parts are often more expensive than labor in this case, as the pump is usually relatively easy to access in the engine bay. Labor ranges from $150 to $250 and the pump with associated parts ranges from $200 to $450.

As always, shop around to find an auto mechanic you can trust for the best price. It’s a good idea to develop a solid working relationship with an automotive shop once you’ve found a good one in order to get the best service and possibly even some good deals.

Experienced mechanics may be able to change their own power steering pump at home with some basic hand tools and a special tool to remove the pulley from the pulley shaft that can often be rented from the auto parts store.

Having turned wrenches on vehicles for over 18 years, Mark has a passion for cars and writing about them. As the owner of Car Treatments, he works with a team of automotive experts (in their respective fields) to publish new content on a regular basis.