2008 chevy impala power steering pump replacement cost

Replacing the power steering pump is highly technical and involved. Most power steering pumps are attached to the engine of your car, which means replacing the pump could directly impact the engine.

There are two types of power steering pumps: belt-driven or hydraulic-driven electric pump. Both of these pumps create pressure that is used to power the power steering assist system. Without this, your steering wheel would be near impossible to turn, unless you’re an Olympian or powerlifter.

How to replace a power steering pump

Buckle up; this is about to get highly technical.

When a mechanic replaces your power steering pump, the process is mostly identical for both a belt-driven and hydraulic-driven electric pump, except for the first step. The process looks like this:

• For a belt-driven pump: This style of pump is bolted to the engine. The mechanic will wait for the engine to cool completely before removing the drive belt.

• For hydraulic-driven electric pump: The mechanic will find this pump attached to either the steering shaft or the steering rack.

• With both types of pumps, the mechanic will need to likely remove any dash, panel, or steering components to access the pump.

• The mechanic loosens and removes threaded connectors to the pump’s inlet and outlet.

• The mechanic removes any possible mounting bolts and brackets (applicable on different pumps) so they can remove the pump.

• If the mechanic fears contamination of the power steering system, they will flush the system.

• They then attach the new pump, attach pressure and return hoses, and bleed the system of air.

• A mechanic will need to tighten belt-driven pumps to the manufacturer’s specifications.

• The mechanic tests the power steering pump replacement by running the engine and taking the car for a test drive.

• If the pump is belt-driven, the mechanic will remeasure the tension of the belt and adjust as needed after the test drive.

When do I need to replace the power steering pump?

Typically, if you can’t turn your car’s steering wheel, there’s an issue with your power steering system.

That said, the power steering system has multiple components that have their own indicators. You will know your power steering pump needs replacing if you notice any of the following:

• Grinding or whining sounds when you turn

• Leaks in the power steering system

• Damage to the pump pulley, which often creates vibrations

If you notice any of these, call a mechanic and get your car serviced immediately. It is not safe to drive with a faulty power steering pump.

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(Updated on July 28, 2022)

Most vehicles these days have power steering which allows you to turn the steering wheel smoothly without having to apply too much strength or pressure to it. Power steering works because of a pump that allows power steering fluid to flow into the gear for the steering.

This pump and gear are responsible for applying the proper amount of assistance so that the steering wheel can turn easily for the driver. Without the power steering pump, power steering would not be possible.

Related: Hydraulic vs Electric Power Steering

• Top 5 Bad Power Steering Pump Symptoms
  • 1) Difficulty Turning Wheel
  • 2) Whining Noise
  • 3) Squealing Noise
  • 4) Groaning Noise
  • 5) Chrome Flakes in Fluid
• Power Steering Pump Replacement Cost

Power steering pumps will often last for years and sometimes even the lifetime of a vehicle. But not always. At some point, the possibility of the power steering pump failing in your vehicle may come up and it will likely be obvious when this happens.

There are plenty of signs you may notice when this starts to happen. Below are five of the most common symptoms to look out for when the power steering pump goes bad.

1) Difficulty Turning Wheel

The most common symptom you will experience is when you have difficulty turning the steering wheel. When you go to make a turn (especially at low speeds), the steering wheel will feel very stiff and you’ll have to use a lot of strength and force just to make a basic turn.

This should prompt you to check the power steering pump (or its connections) because it likely means one or the other is the issue.

2) Whining Noise

When you try to turn your steering wheel, you might hear a whining noise. This is an indication that a problem exists inside of your power steering system.

The whining noise could be due to many reasons, one of which being that the power steering pump has a leak in it. Either that or the power steering fluid might be too low. But you’ll want to check on both just in case.

3) Squealing Noise

A squealing noise might be heard when you first turn on your vehicle’s engine. This noise will remain consistent for about a minute after the car is started.

The reason for this likely has to do with a bad power steering pump that is making the belt inside the system slip. This means you must replace the pump and realign your belt.

4) Groaning Noise

This is the worst noise of them all. If you have neglected to repair or replace your already dysfunctional power steering pump, it will eventually make groaning noises.

This usually occurs if there is a leak or insufficient fluid going through the pump, which will ultimately ruin the whole power steering system.

Not only will you have to replace the pump at this point, but you may have to replace the whole system as well.

5) Chrome Flakes in Fluid

Checking the power steering fluid can tell you a lot about the condition of the power steering pump. Aside from assuring there is an adequate amount of power steering fluid in the system, you’ll also want to check to see the color and condition of the fluid.

If you see dark gray colors or chrome flakes in the fluid, then it means your pump may be damaged.

Power Steering Pump Replacement Cost

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The cost of replacing a power steering pump will generally vary depending on which mechanic you bring it to and the make and model of your vehicle. However, on average, the total cost of replacing a power steering pump will be somewhere between $390 and $650. This price is comprised of the labor cost and parts cost.

The average labor cost is at least $200 and at the most $270.The average parts cost is at least $190 and at the most $380. Unless you are a skilled mechanic, it wouldn’t be worth trying to replace this pump yourself. So, it is worth spending the extra money on the labor to get it done right.