How Much Does a Power Steering Pump Cost?
The power steering setup consists of a small engine-powered hydraulic pump that, when in use, allows minimal steering effort.
When the pump malfunctions, it needs to be replaced right away before the problem becomes serious, making it extremely hard to steer the wheel.
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.
How much does it cost to replace a power steering 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.
At Auto Zone, for instance, parts, depending on the car you drive, are in the $30 to $110 range.
To have a mechanic acquire a basic pump and install it, the costs are generally inside the $250 and $450 range.
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.
Rick’s Free Auto Repair Advice said you should expect to pay anywhere between $200 to more than $800.
Refer to our table below to see what most popular car make and models may cost at a local mechanic:
| Car | Average Quote |
|---|---|
| Chevy Cobalt | $350 to $450 |
| Chevy Impala | $300 to $400 |
| Chevy Malibu | $250 to $450 |
| Chevy Tahoe | $375 to $500 |
| Dodge Caravan | $350 to $550 |
| Ford Escape | $250 to $350 |
| Ford Focus | $250 to $350 |
| Ford Taurus | $300 to $400 |
| Honda Accord | $250 to $400 |
| Honda Civic | $400 to $500 |
| Honda Odyssey | $250 to $450 |
| Kia Sedona | $350 to $450 |
| Mini Cooper | $700 to $900 |
| Nissan Altima | $350 to $450 |
| PT Cruiser | $200 to $400 |
| Subaru Outback | $450 to $650 |
| Toyota Camry | $350 to $550 |
| Toyota Corolla | $350 to $550 |
Factors that affect the price
Type of parts
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.
Re-manufactured parts
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.
Vehicle type
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.
Vehicle year of make/model
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.
Power steering pump overview
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.
The average job, depending on your car, can take two to three hours to complete.
What are the extra costs?
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.
Tips to know:
Ask about the warranty and coverage. Some auto parts dealers offer extended limited warranty plans for online purchases and their workmanship.
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.
How can I save money?
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.
Check with many online dealers offering power steering pumps. Use a price comparison shopping site and find out who offers the best price.
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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