Can you Rebuild a Power Steering Pump? Replacing vs Rebuilding

Replacing a power steering pump can be costly, leading many vehicle owners to consider rebuilding it instead.

Yes, rebuilding a power steering pump is indeed possible. In this guide, we will explain more about power steering pump rebuilds, including some important factors you should consider during the process. Let’s get started.

Can you Rebuild a Power Steering Pump?

Yes, you can rebuild a power steering pump. This process involves disassembling, inspecting, cleaning, and replacing worn components like seals, O-rings, and bearings within the pump.

As far as we are concerned, rebuilding a power steering pump is a viable, cost-effective option for restoring the pump’s functionality and extending its lifespan, especially if the pump’s main body and housing are still in good condition.

However, if you are not a mechanical expert, rebuilding a steering pump requires mechanical expertise and precision which means you will have to think about the labor cost as well. We will explain it later.

How to Determine if the Power Steering Pump is Rebuildable?

Power steering building is a process that requires professional supervision, here is how mechanics check whether rebuilding your vehicle’s power steering pump is possible. These are directly from the vault of our experience!!

• Mechanics start with a thorough visual inspection, looking for external damage, signs of leakage, and overall condition. If the housing is compromised, the pump may not be suitable for rebuilding.
• They use their experience to interpret noises from the pump, identifying issues like bearing failure or internal wear. Persistent noises, even after adding fluid, suggest internal wear or damage that might not be fixable with a simple rebuild.
• Mechanics may perform a pressure test to assess the pump’s performance under operating conditions. This test can reveal inefficiencies or failures in the pump’s hydraulic system.
• If needed, mechanics will disassemble the pump to inspect internal components such as the impeller, bearings, seals, and the condition of the housing from the inside. This allows them to identify wear or damage that isn’t apparent from an external examination.

All in all, a mechanic’s experience plays a significant role in assessing a steering pump’s condition. They can often identify subtle signs of wear or impending failure that might not be obvious to someone with less experience.

How Much Does it Cost to Rebuild a Power Steering Pump?

The cost of rebuilding a power steering pump, including parts and labor, can range from approximately $120 to $450 or more. Let us break down the cost and explain it.

Cost for Parts

1. • Rebuild Kit: A power steering pump rebuild kit, which includes seals, O-rings, and gaskets, typically ranges from $20 to $100.
   • Additional Parts: Depending on the pump’s condition, you might need additional parts like bearings or a rotor, which can add to the cost. These parts can range from $10 to $50 or more.

Labor Cost

• • The labor cost for rebuilding a power steering pump can vary widely depending on geographic location and the mechanic’s rates.
  • On average, labor can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the complexity of the job and the time required.

Should I Rebuild or Replace the Power Steering Pump?

Well, have a look at the below chart that we have used to compare replacing vs rebuilding a power steering pump.