Where Is the Power Steering Pump? When to Replace It & What It Costs?

Have you noticed your steering wheel feels unusually heavy and hard to turn? Don’t worry — it’s not that your arms are weak. It’s probably a problem with the power steering pump! Today, we’ll cover where the power steering pump is located, how long it lasts, how to repair it, and how much it costs to replace.

Where Is the Power Steering Pump Located?

The power steering pump is typically mounted at the front of the engine, near the belt system. It is connected to the engine via a belt and is driven by the engine. With the hood open, you can see a small pump-like device with a hydraulic oil jug on the side of the engine. It has a couple of hoses attached to it, and that's the power steering pump.

Its main purpose is to provide hydraulic boost to the steering system, allowing you to turn the wheel with a lot less effort. If your car has electronic power steering, then you don't have this pump, but if it's a hydraulic power steering system, it's an essential presence.

How Long Does a Power Steering Pump Last?

Generally speaking, power steering pumps last between 80,000 and 150,000 kilometers, which translates to about 5-10 years. Of course, this also depends on your usual driving habits and maintenance.

The following situations may lead to its early retirement:

Often beat the steering wheel to death (that is, the steering wheel turns to the bottom without letting go)

Lack of steering fluid for a long time or the use of poor-quality steering fluid

Leakage of the pipeline leads to the pump idling

Long-time high-load driving

Note: Once you find that the steering is hard to turn, the steering has a strange sound, or the steering fluid leaks on the ground, please check the power steering pump in time!

How to Repair Power Steering Pump?

Whether or not the power steering pump is worth repairing depends on the extent of the damage to the pump and the availability of parts.

Here are some common repair options for you to consider:

1. Replace seals or gaskets

Replacing worn seals or gaskets is usually sufficient if there is a minor fluid leak. This is a relatively inexpensive fix and usually costs less than $100 if caught early.

2. Clean the internal components

If debris or buildup is causing a blockage inside the power steering pump, a mechanic can disassemble and clean the inside of the power steering pump.

3. Replace bearings or worn parts

If wear is minimal, internal components such as bearings can be replaced. However, labor costs and parts costs can increase, so this may not always be cost-effective.

4. Pump rebuild

Some repair stores will offer a complete rebuild of the pump. This can be a good compromise between repair and replacement, but quality varies - be careful to choose a trusted mechanic or certified remanufacturer.

If your power steering pump is badly damaged and the cost to repair it approaches or exceeds the price of a new or refurbished unit, it's often wiser to replace it.

How Much to Replace Power Steering Pump?

The cost of replacing your power steering pump depends on the make and model of your vehicle, where you have it serviced, and whether you are using genuine or aftermarket parts.

Genuine power steering pump parts can cost around $300 - $700+.

Ordering a power steering pump from a reputable aftermarket parts online store can save you significantly compared to purchasing it directly from a store, such as MyMROmarts.Our aftermarket power steering pump parts cost around $150 - $400.

Additionally, the labor cost to replace your power steering pump is almost $150 - $300.

Finally, it’s important to note that the power steering pump replacement cost will be higher on high-performance models, especially if the pump is difficult to remove or requires special tools.

Knowing these basics about power steering pumps helps you to not drop the ball when it counts. Don't wait until the steering wheel won't turn before you regret it, get your car checked out now!