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What makes a power steering pump go bad?
So, I just got back from the mechanic after some car trouble, and they’re saying my power steering pump needs to be replaced. But I don’t understand how that could’ve been damaged. I wasn’t in an accident or anything. What makes a power steering pump go bad?
Matt Terzi · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We’re sorry to hear about your car troubles! Despite being a durable component of your engine, power steering pumps can fail without being physically damaged, as can any number of parts in your car.
Most cars will run into mechanical issues when their odometers creep into six-figure territory, and power steering pumps, starters, alternators, and even timing belts might fail when you surpass 100,000 miles.
Ideally, vehicles should have their power steering fluid flushed and replaced every 40,000 to 80,000 miles. If your car hasn’t had that particular service done and you’re over that limit, this might have caused the problem.
If your power steering pump did fail, you may have noticed some of the symptoms:
- The most obvious symptom is having no power steering. Cars are challenging to operate without power steering. If your arms hurt driving the car to the mechanic, this is our culprit.
- Fluid leaks are common with power steering pump failures. Power steering fluid will usually appear dark red or even brownish red color.
- Weird noises and whining noises are also very common. This pump is linked up with a belt, so revving up the engine would make the whining noise louder.
Power steering pumps cost around $400 to $800 to replace on average. It’s a huge bummer, we know. But if it’s any consolation,
Jerry
might be able to save you that amount on your car insurance
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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