How much does a mechanic charge to replace a power steering pump?
Typically, replacing a power steering pump costs roughly $350 to $900, with higher bills for luxury or complex vehicles. The exact price depends on your car, where you live, and whether you choose a new OEM pump, a remanufactured unit, or other options.
In practice, the final bill factors in parts, labor, fluids, and potential additional services. The article below breaks down typical price ranges, the factors that push the price up or down, and tips for getting a clear, fair quote from a shop.
Cost components
Before listing the typical price ranges, here is what commonly appears on a repair bill when replacing a power steering pump.
Part costs and options
- Parts cost: a pump itself can range from about $80 to $500+ depending on whether it is remanufactured, aftermarket, or OEM. Additional parts may include hoses, reservoir, clamps, and, in some cars, a pulley.
- Labor: most shops bill by the hour; expect roughly 1.5 to 4 hours of labor depending on vehicle access and complexity. Hourly rates commonly run from about $75 to $150, with higher rates in major metro areas.
- Fluids and disposal: power steering fluid or ATF may be needed, plus a disposal fee and potential flushing.
- Additional services: belt replacement, tensioner job, system bleed, or ac/power steering belt re-tensioning if required.
- Diagnostics and shop fees: some shops charge a diagnostic fee or shop disposal fees that can add a small amount to the bill.
In most cases, the bulk of the cost is the labor, especially on vehicles with limited access to the pump or requiring removal of other components to reach it.
Regional and vehicle-specific factors
Prices can vary widely based on where you live and what you drive. The following factors tend to have the biggest impact on the final quote.
Key drivers by vehicle and location
- Regional labor rates: metropolitan areas typically command higher hourly rates than rural areas.
- Vehicle make/model and pump type: domestic cars often use standard pumps; luxury brands or European models may have higher-priced parts or more complex replacement procedures.
- Atypical or additional components: if hoses, the reservoir, or the belt need replacement, costs rise accordingly.
- Access and complexity: some cars require removal of the intake, steering rack, or subframe components, extending labor time.
- Warranty and parts choice: remanufactured vs new OEM parts; some warranties may apply only to certain parts or labor.
Getting a written, itemized estimate helps you compare options and avoid surprise charges at the end of the job.
What to expect in a typical quote
When you request a quote, expect to see line items for the part, labor hours, fluid costs, and any ancillary services. If you see a wide variance between shops, ask for a breakdown and confirm whether a flush, belt replacement, or other services are included.
Line-item breakdown you should see
- Base pump price (new OEM vs remanufactured)
- Estimated labor hours and rate
- Materials (fluids, hoses, belts, clamps)
- Diagnostics fees and disposal fees
- Taxes and shop handling fees
Final advice: compare several quotes, check whether the pump comes with a warranty, and consider the reputation of the shop for quality work rather than price alone.
Summary
Replacing a power steering pump is typically a mid-range automotive repair in cost, heavily influenced by labor time and vehicle type. Plan on roughly $350–$900 for most cars, with higher totals for luxury brands or models that require extensive disassembly. By understanding the cost drivers and obtaining itemized estimates, you can budget effectively and avoid sticker shock.
Is it worth replacing a power steering pump?
A power steering pump might last the entire service life of a vehicle and never need replacing. Vehicle manufactures often recommend changing the power steering fluid on a preventive maintenance schedule.
Can you drive with a bad power steering pump?
Short answer: Usually no for normal driving -- a broken power steering pump makes steering heavy or unpredictable and can be unsafe; limited, slow driving to a repair shop is sometimes possible if precautions are taken.
How much does Jiffy Lube charge to replace a power steering pump?
Total power steering system replacement: $500-$650. Hose replacement: $60-$150. Power steering pump leaking repair: $200-$220. Power steering line leak: $60 to $150.
How many labor hours to replace a power steering pump?
Replacing a power steering pump typically takes 1 to 3 hours, but this can vary significantly depending on the vehicle's make and model, the pump's accessibility, and the mechanic's experience. Some factors that can influence the time include removing other components for access and the time it takes to properly bleed the system after installation.
This video explains how to replace a power steering pump, which can take between 2 to 5 hours: 1mLearnToDIY360YouTube · Feb 2, 2025
Factors that affect replacement time
- Vehicle complexity: A car with an easily accessible pump will be quicker to service than one where the pump is located in a tight spot, requiring the removal of other parts like the airbox or battery.
- Mechanic's skill level: An experienced mechanic can complete the job in the lower end of the estimated time range, while a DIYer may take longer.
- Need for additional tools: Some jobs require special tools, such as a puller for the pulley, which can add to the total time if not readily available.
- System bleeding: It's crucial to properly bleed the power steering system after the new pump is installed to remove air bubbles. This process can take extra time but is essential for proper operation.
