Have you recently noticed a puddle of reddish-brown fluid under your car?
And the steering wheel is difficult to turn?
These could indicate an issue with the power steering pump pulley overdue for replacement.
Read on to explore the power steering pump pulley replacement costs and understand why swapping it out yourself might be a bad idea.
This Article Contains
- How Much Does the Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Power Steering Pump Pulley?
- 7 Signs You Need a New Power Steering Pump Pulley
- How Long Do Power Steering Pump Pulleys Last?
- Is It Easy to Perform a Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement?
How Much Does the Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement Cost?
Here are your estimated expenses for replacing a power steering pump pulley:
A. Range
You may have to spend around $110 to $410 to replace a faulty power steering pump pulley.
This estimate comprises of:
- Auto parts: $10 to $160
- Labor: $100 to $250
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Other factors that can alter your repair costs may include:
- Vehicle make and model: You’ll need a power steering pump pulley that fits your car’s requirements.
- Pulley mount type: Depending on how your car’s pulley is mounted, you’ll have to choose between a press-fit or a keyway pulley. Typically, a keyway pulley is costlier.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vs aftermarket pulleys: OEM pulleys are expensive but long-lasting. Meanwhile, aftermarket pulleys are cheaper but less durable.
- Additional repairs: A worn pulley can harm the power steering pump and serpentine belt (drive belt). Changing the belt will cost between $90 and $250, while a power steering pump replacement will increase your repair costs by $500 to $800. You’ll also need a steering fluid refill, which costs an additional $10 to $30.
Is It Worth Replacing the Power Steering Pump Pulley?
Definitely!
The pulley drives the power steering pump, which pressurizes the hydraulic fluid. If the pump stops, the fluid can’t be pressurized, preventing the steering gear and column from turning the car wheels. Your vehicle may also develop other power steering issues, like a fluid leak.
In addition to affecting the power steering system, a worn pulley can loosen the drive belt, causing it to slip. Once the belt slips off, engine parts like the air conditioning compressor, water pump, and alternator will stop working.
Gradually, you’ll notice problems like poor air conditioning, car overheating, and a weak battery.
So, before the bad power steering pump pulley causes significant engine failure, you must replace it.
7 Signs You Need a New Power Steering Pump Pulley
Some red flags of a faulty power steering pump pulley include:
- A stiff steering wheel
- Weak or complete loss of power steering assistance
- Clear, pink, red, or reddish-brown power steering fluid pooling under the car
- Whining, grinding, chirping, or squealing noise from the engine bay
- A burning smell from the engine block
- Torn serpentine belt
- Damaged or corroded pulley that won’t spin
How Long Do Power Steering Pump Pulleys Last?
Power steering pump pulleys are usually built to last your vehicle’s lifetime but may require a replacement every 100,000 miles.
Common factors that speed up its wear include:
- Incorrectly installed or misaligned pulley
- An overtightened belt that puts excess pressure on the pulley
- Pulley made of low-quality material
- Worn-out pulley bearing
- Damage from severe physical impact
Is It Easy to Perform a Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement?
No. Replacing a bad power steering pump pulley is a complex task best left to auto repair professionals, as it involves accessing and removing engine parts.
Here’s a look at the steps involved:
- Drain the power steering fluid.
- Loosen the drive belt tensioner to remove the belt.
- Disconnect each power steering hose and remove the power steering pump.
- Replace the faulty pulley with the new piece.
- Tighten the bolts of the pulley and pump with a torque wrench.
- Reinstall the drive belt and tighten it.
- Refill the power steering fluid.
Additionally, if the pump is faulty, you’ll have to perform a power steering pump replacement. These tasks can be overwhelming for novices, so getting help from a mechanic would be best.
Maintain Your Power Steering System with AutoNation Mobile Service
When your car’s power steering pump pulley fails, system parts like the steering column and gear can stop working and prevent your car from turning.
Wondering how to replace a failing power steering pump pulley?
Our mechanics from AutoNation Mobile Service can easily swap it out for you.
We’re a mobile auto repair solution, offering a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs, including an oil filter, starter motor, idler pulley, water pump, and even battery replacement.
Contact us to get the failing power steering pump pulley replaced right from your driveway.