.png)
How to Tell If Your Power Steering Pump Is Failing
Your power steering pump is critical to how your vehicle handles. It pressurises hydraulic fluid to help you turn the steering wheel with ease — especially at low speeds or when parking.
How can you tell if your power steering pump is bad? When the pump starts to fail, you might notice stiff or jerky steering, groaning noises, or visible leaks. Knowing what your power steering pump does and being able to detect early warning signs of issues can help you dodge serious car damage, avoid sudden car breakdowns, and save money on major car repairs.
How Does a Power Steering Pump Work?
A power steering pump uses hydraulic pressure to make steering easier. As the engine runs, the pump is driven by the engine belt, which powers it. The pump moves hydraulic fluid through the steering system, creating pressure that helps you turn the wheel with less effort. The pressure assists the steering mechanism, especially at low speeds.
Without the pump, you’d have to rely entirely on physical effort to turn the wheel, making it much harder to steer — particularly when parking.
How Can You Tell If Your Power Steering Pump Is Bad?
When your power steering pump is failing, there will probably be a few tells. For example, if you’re hearing whining or groaning noises as you turn your steering wheel, there’s probably air in the system or low levels of fluid.
If your steering wheel is feeling heavy or stiff — especially at low speeds or while parking — the pump may well be on its way out. Got fluid leaks, perhaps brown or reddish in colour? That’s another red flag.
Can a bad power steering pump cause an engine to stall? Yes, by putting excessive strain on the serpentine belt — especially at low speeds or while idle.
Can a bad power steering pump cause a loss of power? Yes — if the pump is failing or seizing, it puts extra load on the engine, which can reduce overall performance and responsiveness (especially when turning at low speeds).
Can I Drive with a Bad Power Steering Pump?
You can drive with a bad or broken power steering pump, just as you can drive with underinflated tyres: it’s not immediately catastrophic, but doing so will make handling a whole lot harder.
If you don’t have proper hydraulic assistance, steering becomes extremely heavy, making vehicle control a real haul. And if you can’t turn the steering wheel with ease, that means you’re lacking the reflexes to dodge sudden hazards or turn your car quickly. In a word, it’s unsafe.
A failing pump can also strain the engine, which makes you more likely to stall. So, can you drive with a broken power steering pump? Yes, but it’s certainly not best practice. If you suspect yours is on the way out, attend to it pronto to save yourself costly repairs — and, even more importantly, to drive safer and smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Replace My Power Steering Pump Myself?
Taking it upon yourself to replace your power steering pump is possible — so long as you have the right tools and know your way around a car’s interior. Otherwise, a mechanic is your best bet.
Can You Rebuild a Power Steering Pump?
You can rebuild a power steering pump, but it takes time, the right parts, and a whole lot of accuracy. So long as the pump housing is in good condition, rebuilding is a cost-effective way to go about things. That said, buying a new or remanufactured pump is the easier and more reliable option — unless you have mechanical experience and access to a proper rebuild kit.
How Long Does a Power Steering Pump Last?
A power steering pump typically lasts between 100,000 and 150,000 kilometres, though it can vary depending on how and where you drive. Regular maintenance — like checking fluid levels and using the correct type — can help extend its lifespan. Hard steering, low fluid, or contaminants in the system can wear the pump out faster.
How Much Does a Power Steering Pump Cost?
In Australia, the cost of a power steering pump typically ranges from $150 to $350 for the part alone. The exact price will depend on the type of car you have. Get the part professionally installed, and however much you’re paying for a new power steering pump will go up, falling somewhere between $450 and $950 (when you factor in both the part and labour).
When you DIY, you save on installation costs, but this only works out if you’ve ensured the part is compatible. If it isn’t, you may find yourself paying even more money to resolve the resulting complications. In the interests of your own peace of mind, you should always check the parts’ warranties.
You’ve Got the Power!
Fixing or — preferably — replacing a faulty power steering pump is what you have to do to restore safety to your car and maintain its health. If you notice any signs of trouble — like, to recap, heavy steering or strange noises — it’s important to address the issue promptly. Don’t wait!
For reliable power steering pump replacements, visit Machter today and keep your car running smoothly.
