Need help with your Power Steering Pump Replacement?

How Much Does A Power Steering Pump Replacement Cost

Prices will vary based on vehicle make and model, and location. Here’s an estimate of what a power steering pump replacement costs:

• Parts cost: $100-$200
• Labor cost: $80-$150
• Estimated total: $180-$350

How often should the power steering pump be replaced?

You should get your power steering pump replaced at least every 100,000 miles. To increase the lifespan of your power steering pump, ensure you regularly service your vehicle.

How Urgent Is A Power Steering Pump Replacement?

You won’t likely cause more damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive with a bad power steering pump. However, the heavier the vehicle, the harder it’ll be to turn the steering wheel. The power steering pump is there for a reason — to help you maneuver your car, and make driving safer for you in the long run.

How To Replace A Power Steering Pump

A power steering pump replacement (PS pump replacement) can be done as a DIY job at home. However, if you’re not familiar with auto parts, it’s best to let a professional mechanic handle the repair job to avoid hurting yourself or doing any more damage to your car.

With that said, here’s how to perform a power steering pump replacement:

1. Accessing The Pump

You need to access your power steering pump first:

• Before anything else, disconnect your battery (starting with the negative terminal.)
• Using a hydraulic lift or a jack, lift up your vehicle onto jack stands.
• Open the hood and remove your engine cover. 
• Detach the serpentine belt or drive belt. To remove the serpentine belt, loosen the tensioner pulley located on the left side (as you look at the engine.) Once loose, you can easily slip off the belt.
• Then, remove the lower engine covers (skid plate.)
• Finally, remove the radiator fan shroud and the fan to gain clear access to the power steering pump.

2. Disconnecting The Pump

Here’s how to disconnect the power steering pump itself:

• First, locate the lines going to your power steering pump.
• Then, place a drip tray under your vehicle as there may be a power steering fluid leak (PS fluid leak).
• Using a socket or ratchet, remove the hydraulic lines that are connected to the bottom of the power steering pump. 
• Once the primary supply line is removed, you can remove all other lines from the power steering pump. This includes each pressure line from the power steering reservoir as well as the return hose and hose clamp from the gearbox.
• Using a power steering removal tool, detach the power steering pump pulley by removing the locking nut.
• Remove the mounting bolts which hold the power steering pump onto the engine block. You can do this using an impact wrench or a socket.
• The power steering pump body can now be removed.

3. Installing A New Pump

This is how to install a new power steering pump:

• First, transfer the mounting bracket from the old pump body to the new one. Then secure it to the bracket using the old mounting bolts.
• Install the new PS pump and replace the power steering pulley so that it’s aligned with the crankshaft pulley. 
• Then, replace the power steering belt and ensure your belt tension is correct.
• Secure the new pump to the engine block by screwing each bolt through the mounting bracket and onto the engine block.
• Reattach each pressure line to the new power steering pump.
• Then, reinstall the serpentine belt (or drive belt), the radiator fan, and shroud.
• Fill the power steering fluid reservoir (PS fluid reservoir.)
• Reconnect the car battery (starting with the positive terminal this time), and you should be done.