Power Steering repair & replacement made easy

The power steering pump is either an electric motor pump or a mechanically driven pump that pressurises the hydraulic fluid for the power assisted steering rack.

Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.

The mechanic will;

• Check the operation of the power steering pump if it needs to be replaced
• Undo the power steering pipe unions attached to the pump
• Drain the power steering fluid from the pump
• Remove the power steering pump and replace it with the new unit
• Put everything back together
• Refill the PAS fluid and bleed the system
• Start the car and test the steering

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a power steering repair is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

• When power steering fluid is leaking from the pump unit.
• The steering wheel is heavier to turn than normal.
• When there is a squeaking or grinding noise from the unit when turning the wheel.

On average, power steering repair times can range from 1 to over 2 hours with an average of 1.2 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

The power steering pump will most likely not require replacing during the lifetime of a vehicle. Whilst it is a unit that is in constant use, they are relatively robust parts. As the unit is fundamental to having control of a vehicle, especially at low speeds, its operation is critical and therefore as soon as it has been confirmed that the pump needs to be replaced it needs to be done.

If you experience any untoward characteristics in your steering, or if you suspect there is any issue with the power steering or there are concerns about its condition, book a diagnostic inspection immediately and do not drive the vehicle. Steering is obviously critical to a vehicle's use so any issues that arise with it are not only dangerous, they could be life threatening.

Yes, faulty power steering will normally result in an MOT failure. Since steering is a safety critical component, the MOT tester will inspect it for insecure placement, fractures, misalignment, leaks and even lack of power steering fluid.

A power steering pump replacement can range from £200-£700 to replace depending on the make and model of the vehicle. The exact price will depend on the level of work required and parts needed to fix the problem.

The cost to replace the power steering pump ranges from £200-£700. This price can change depending on the parts required for a specific make and model as well as labour rates of the area.

It is recommended power steering fluid line or pipe are replaced, it is often easier and less expensive to simply replace the entire line than to carry out an inadequate (and potentially dangerous) repair. Also, it should be worth noting that a power steering fluid line repair is often a temporary fix and will need to be replaced at some point in the future anyway.

The cost to replace a power steering rack is on average about £700 to £900 including labour costs in the UK. The exact price depends on the make and model of the car, if it's an electric or hydraulic steering rack, as well as local labour costs.

It can take about 1-2 hours to replace a power steering hose, but can be longer if there additional repair needed with other associated car parts.

The symptoms of a bad steering rack include:

• A loose steering wheel
• Steering wheel shakes
• A squeaking noise when turning the wheel
• Burning oil smell
• A feeling of resistance when turning the wheel
• Unstability on motorway or at higher speeds

Causes of electric power steering failure include:

• Loss of power to the system
• A problem with the steering rack or motor
• A failure of the electronic control unit

Yes, a steering rack can be repaired but it is often cheaper to replace the part. Sometimes the mechanic will suggest replacing just a part of the steering rack when the damage is minimal and can be repaired easily.