Power Steering Fluid Flush Cost
Because replacing your power steering fluid isn’t often on your routine maintenance schedule inside of your vehicle’s owners manual, some mechanics are often skeptical as to if the flush is really necessary.
Some say it’s an oversell, while other mechanics note it can absolutely help due to the grit and sludge that’s able to find its way into the fluid.
This fluid flows through your power steering system as its being pressurized by the steering pump by the way of pistons, plungers and valves.
As the system wears over time, particles can make its way into the fluid, often contaminating the fluid, which, if left ignored, can cause the system to fail.
While it’s debatable if you should routinely flush your power steering fluid, most mechanics agree on one thing — follow the owner’s manual to see what your manufacturer recommends.
How much does a power steering flush cost?
The cost of flushing your vehicle’s power steering fluid will really depend on the mechanic/dealer you use and your geographical location. As a standalone flush and nothing else included, the costs are often between $65 to $115, but if you were to have this flush done with other routine repairs, then the costs could be much higher as it’s combined as a package. Seeing the flush itself is a relatively quick procedure, most shops will charge you the shop minimum and a few dollars for the power steering fluid, with dealerships often charging up to 40% more than a mechanic.
Angie’s List, for example, says that most of the experts they talked to charged anywhere between $99 and $125.
According to the official Pep Boy’s pricing list, its “Power Steering Flush Service Package” starts at $69.99, for instance.
At Jiffy Lube, when we called a local location, they said its power steering flush starts at $69.99, but it heavily dependent on the geographical location.
The process
The process is relatively straightforward as with most fluid exchanges.
Before the fluid is even flushed, however, the mechanic will first check to make sure no leaks are present. This will include checking any hoses, clamps and fittings for any leaks.
Once it’s confirmed no leaks are present, the power steering reservoir is emptied and is then filled with the correct type designed for your vehicle. Do keep in mind that if the wrong fluid is poured into the system, it can cause intensively damaged.
Nex, the mechanic will bleed the steering system and any residual fluid will be cleaned up at this time.
The car is then started, tested and will be inspected for any leaks before the flush is considered complete.
When should I replace my power steering fluid?
In some cases, there may be signs it’s time to replace your power steering fluid. For starters, if you see any dirty fluid and/or noise coming from the power steering, then it could indicate the fluid needs to be changed, but this isn’t always the case as you could have a faulty power steering part. Mechanics will often tell you to listen for a moaning-like sound because this can indicate the fluid levels are low.
Other signs to look out for, aside from listening to the noises, includes difficulty turning the wheel or brown/black fluid inside of the power steering fluid reservoir — a sign that indicates the fluid is contaminated.
As for a maintenance schedule, the service should be done either every 36 months or about every 75,000 miles, whichever comes first. This will all depend on your vehicle’s age, condition and the mechanic’s recommendation. The next time you do take your car in for routine maintenance, talk with the mechanic to see what he or she recommends as, again, you often won’t find it inside of your vehicle’s owners manual.
What color is power steering fluid?
Power steering fluid, usually, is a slight variant of transmission fluid, with pink, clear and red being the most common colors. To know for sure which colors your power steering fluid should be, mechanics recommend checking your owner’s manual to know for certain. If the fluids are either black or a darker brown, then this is a tell-tale sign the fluid is contaminated and should be swapped, especially if it has a bad smell to it.
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Average Reported Cost: $120
How much did you spend?
- Garrett (Fullerton, California) paid $120 and said:
I was out of power steering fluid, they flushed it replaced the fluid. That is all im pretty sure…$120
Was it worth it? Yes
