How much does it cost to replace a power steering pump?
According to our research, the power steering pump replacement cost (UK) can range between £150 and £500.
An average power steering pump replacement cost works out at approximately £300, including parts and labour.
What are the power steering pump replacement costs at dealerships compared to Fixter garages?
If you replace your power steering pump with Fixter, on average, we save our customers around 30% against dealership prices. Not only will you save money, but you will also benefit from our end-to-end collection and delivery service.
It’s the most convenient way to carry out car repairs, upgrades, services, and MOTs you’ll find. Who else collects your car and delivers it back to you when the work is complete?
What additional factors could affect a power steering pump replacement?
There are a variety of components associated with steering issues and may need attention at the same time as your pump replacement. For example, if the pump seizes, it can snap the cam belt, leading to all sorts of associated issues, in the worst-case scenario, engine damage, one of the costliest repairs a driver can face.
Other components in your steering system include the steering rack, steering column, track rods, and track rod ends. Performing a power steering pump replacement, you’ll need a full flush and refill of power steering fluid, possibly a new belt, pulley, and often, new hydraulic lines, along with the appropriate steering tests on completion.
What are the costs of power steering pump replacement parts?
Depending on the make and model of your car, a power steering pump can cost anywhere between £50 and £500. For most domestic vehicles, you can expect to pay around £150–£250, making its replacement a fairly costly venture.
What are the labour times and rates for a power steering pump replacement?
It takes two to three hours for a competent mechanic to switch over a power steering pump.
Power steering pump replacement costs vary across the country according to each garage and dealership. We examined our records to calculate the average hourly rate.
We found for garages within the London area, the average rate came out at £78 per hour. For the garages throughout the rest of the country, the price was a little lower, as you’d expect, at £72 per hour.
Can you replace a power steering pump replacement yourself?
Not really—this is a job for an experienced mechanic, and even then, it takes around two or three hours to complete. Specialist tools are required, including hydraulic line, boxed end and ratchet wrenches, a threadlocker, and a drain pan.
You’ll also need the car up on jack stands for appropriate access. If your pump is belt-driven and you’re not comfortable removing a cambelt, draining and refreshing steering fluid, along with taking a great deal of care and patience while removing the pulley, then this isn’t the job for you.
You’d be far wiser to book it in with Fixter, and leave it to the professionals.
How do I know if my power steering pump is failing?
The main symptoms of a faulty power steering pump are:
- Leaking power steering fluid around the reservoir, pump, or pipe connections.
- Low level of power steering fluid in the reservoir.
- You may smell burning steering fluid if the pump overheats.
- The power steering fluid has turned grey – this is a sign of oxidation, rendering the fluid useless.
- The power steering fluid appears to contain metal flakes – caused by wear on the internal parts.
- You hear squealing sounds when you start the car – this could be the belt that powers the pump squealing or the pump itself failing.
- There are whining and groaning sounds while turning – groaning suggests a lack of steering fluid, and whining is more likely a damaged bearing.
- Steering is slow to respond – reaction to steering should be immediate; any slow responses suggest the pump is damaged.
- More effort is required when steering – power steering is designed to make steering easier, not harder; if that’s the case, there’s an issue in the system somewhere.
Can you drive with a broken power steering pump?
It’s possible, but it’s going to be hard work and a really bad idea. Without the assistance of power steering, a car is a big heavy thing to manoeuvre and a lot of hard work. It’s not only hard work, though; it affects your ability to control the car, which is dangerous for you and your passengers.
How long does a power steering pump last?
The pump usually lasts for the vehicle’s lifetime; drivers shouldn’t need to change one after a specific mileage, as required for other components.
Is it safe to drive with a faulty power steering pump?
No. Without full control of your car, you can’t respond to snap decisions the instant they’re necessary. When it becomes hard to steer your car, you’re not in complete control, which is dangerous for you and the other road users around you.
Also, without enough steering fluid, the pump could seize completely; in some cases, that’s enough to snap the cam belt, leaving you stranded with a possibly damaged engine.
Can you repair a power steering pump?
There are no serviceable components in a power steering pump, so, sadly, it must be replaced rather than repaired when it comes to the end of its useful life.
If your power steering pump is making some scary noises or it’s getting way harder than usual to carry out a three-point turn, why not let one of our experts take a look and identify the problem for you? We’re always ready and waiting to help.
About Fixter
Fixter is revolutionising the car maintenance industry, one repair at a time. Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.