How much does it cost to fix the power steering assist fault

Most repairs to the power steering fluid system cost between $500 and $650 to correct. But the exact price comes down to what exactly went wrong with the system. For example, if you just need to replace the hose, you only need to spend between $60 and $150 on parts and a little extra for labor.

Power steering: A vital component to any vehicle

Power steering influences every facet of your vehicle's handling. It allows you to take curves and turns comfortably and remain straight and narrow when you want to. To make all this possible, the system requires ample power steering fluid.

This is the hydraulic fluid that transmits power within the steering system. It creates the pressure necessary on both sides of your car's rack-mounted piston so that you can turn the wheel effortlessly.

Without sufficient fluid, your car doesn't handle as well. You can't turn the vehicle with as much force as you may need. This greatly increases your odds of ending up in a preventable accident.

What causes power steering fluid leaks?

The cause of power steering fluid leaks ultimately comes down to time. As your car gets older and racks up higher mileage, certain parts begin to degrade. The most common culprits for these leaks include:

  • O-rings and seals losing form and mass
  • Chunks of the seals end up in the fluid
  • Supply hoses develop holes

What's the cost of repairing a leak?

The cost of repairing a power steering system leak comes down to what caused the leak in the first place. You may need to replace a single component, or you may need to replace the entire system. To know which camp you fall into, take your vehicle to the nearest auto shop to get it examined.

  • Total power steering system replacement: $500-$650
  • Hose replacement: $60-$150
  • Pump replacement: $200-$220
  • Pressure valve replacement: About $10
  • Labor: $40-$200 per hour

Can I still drive my car with a power steering leak?

Although you can still physically operate a vehicle with a power steering leak, you should avoid doing so at all costs. The reason is that the system now runs dry, making it a lot more difficult (and dangerous) to take turns.

You can't take turns as smoothly, so your car may veer slightly wider than you would like. This greatly increases your chances of ending up in an accident; putting you in danger as well as others on the road. It's imperative you take your car into a shop as soon as you notice an issue.

Don't mask the problem—get your car fixed, now!

Without that liquid, friction increases. This generates more heat, and other components inside your car may degrade. You may end up with more extensive damage down the road if you fail to address it promptly.

You want your car in perfect shape to keep you and others on the road safe. While repairing the power steering system may cost you a few hundred dollars, it's worth it compared to what you may have to pay if you end up in a collision.

Does my insurance pay for maintenance and repairs?

Insurance doesn't pay for routine wear and tear. Since most power steering system problems are a result of age, insurance doesn't cover the costs. But it can pay for other expenses you may end up with.

With comprehensive and collision coverage, you can get damage caused by accidents covered. This can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars if you end up in a crash, even if it's one you caused.

Additionally, you want to look for a policy that offers roadside assistance. You may not feel comfortable driving your car to a shop if you notice a leak mid-drive. In this instance, you can have your car towed to the nearest shop to get it fixed right away.

When the time arises, is my insurance going to be enough?

When it comes to car insurance, there are several factors to consider beyond monthly cost. A policy that covers you when you need it, has a low deductible, and offers several discounts can be hard to find - which is why we've done the work for you.

Get instant quotes tailored to your needs - fill out our short form, today!

The Ford Fusion has a comfortable cabin and superb infotainment system, and it provides a smooth ride. It also has a power steering assist that can sometimes fail. What do you do when you find yourself in this predicament? To ease your worries, we researched the problem to provide you with solutions. 

To fix the faulty power steering assist in your Ford Fusion, you first need to know what is causing the problem. You should check for these possible causes:

  • Electrical malfunctions
  • Low power steering fluid
  • Contaminated fuel

Keep reading to unravel the reasons the power steering assist can malfunction in your Ford Fusion. We have included solutions to this problem and the cost of repairs involved. We also cover why your mechanic should be extra careful when handling some repairs on the steering system.

Before you continue reading, let us say we hope you find the links here useful. If you purchase something through a link on this page, we may get a commission, so thank you!

How much does it cost to fix the power steering assist fault

How To Fix Power Steering Assist Issues In Your Ford Fusion

How much does it cost to fix the power steering assist fault

Before we dive into how to solve the power steering problems in your car, we'll briefly cover what a power steering system is and how it works.

It’s interesting to note that the power steering system in a vehicle was first installed in 1876. It was installed in a truck in 1903, this time using an electric motor to help the driver turn the front wheels.

Since then, there have been technological innovations to help drivers steer their vehicles more easily. Today, any new car you buy will have a power steering assist, including a Ford Fusion.

The system still has a hydraulic pump that works by using hydraulic fluid. But instead of using power from the engine, it uses an electric pump that draws power from your car’s electrical system to provide steering assistance.

The sensors in your car detect the force you are applying to your steering wheel. Afterward, the computer reads how much assistance is required to help you maneuver your steering.

A faulty power steering assist can make turning your car much harder. Some of the causes and how to solve this issue include:

Electrical Malfunctions

How much does it cost to fix the power steering assist fault

wheel-shaped light will appear on your dashboard when you experience steering problems with your Ford Fusion. 

When turning your vehicle becomes much more difficult than it used to be, the electrical system could be faulty. To know if this is the actual problem, begin by checking the hydraulic fluid levels. 

If the levels are fine, go back to the electrical system, which usually fails due to a faulty electrical pump. The fastest way to find out if this is the problem is by using an OBD2 scanner.

Check out this OBD2 scanner on Amazon.

The scanner can pinpoint the exact problem. If the problem is your electrical pump, it could be because the pump is worn, the fuel is contaminated, or there’s an electrical fault, among other issues. 

If you don’t have this gadget, you can physically check your wiring system, starting with the fuse box. Also, examine the wires that are connected to your steering system. If you find nothing unusual, move on and check the voltage in your battery. 

If you still cannot find anything wrong, the warning light or electrical components associated with the steering system could be faulty. 

At this point, try to restart your car. It may reset your warning light or might just as well solve the steering problem. All the same, this is a temporary fix, and you should take your car to a mechanic, who may decide to replace your electric pump.

Low Power Steering Fluid

The hydraulic power steering system needs hydraulic fluid to function. If you find it hard to steer, check the hydraulic fluid levels. It's best to do this when your car is running. 

Thus, if you parked your car, and it has gone cold, fire it up, and then check the fluid levels. This is the only way to know the actual level. 

In addition, check for leaks if there is a significant drop in the steering fluid. Check under the engine and on the ground where you normally park. If there is a leak, you will find a puddle of pink or red fluid.

Don’t confuse this with transmission fluid. Any leaks from the transmission will be found more towards the middle of your car.  

It’s worth noting that low hydraulic fluid can cause damage to other components of the steering system. Thus, you may end up with repairs that you had not anticipated in the first place. 

Contaminated Hydraulic Fluid

The best hydraulic oils for Ford Fusion vehicles is the automatic transmission fluid like the one shown below. This is because they have some special chemicals suitable for this type of vehicles. 

You can find this automatic transmission fluid on Amazon.

However, hydraulic oil can get contaminated, increasing the friction between parts and clogging the steering system. The pump can also fail as a result. 

Contamination can happen when foreign particles enter the engine and move to the hydraulic system.  These particles pass through holes in the hoses or worn-out seals, finding their way into the system. This causes more damage to the system. 

That is why you need to refill the hydraulic oil at the recommended intervals according to the manual.

How To Maintain The Power Steering System Of Your Vehicle

How much does it cost to fix the power steering assist fault

You should make sure that your power steering system is in good condition so that it will last longer. Doing this can help you save on repair costs. The following are some tips to help you successfully achieve this:

Ensure Correct Levels Of Hydraulic Oil

As mentioned earlier, when the oil levels are low or the oil is contaminated, the power steering assist can develop problems. To avoid this, you sould regularly check your oil levels.

Also, take action immediately when the warning light on your dashboard appears. Also, keep in mind that your car can experience more problems in the steering system if you delay adding or replacing the oil. 

Maintain Clean Fluid

It’s recommended that you change the steering oil and filter after every five years or 50,000 miles. However, due to driving habits and the terrain you drive on, it may be necessary to change the filter more frequently. Some experts recommend changing it every year.

By doing so, you can prevent the fluid from being contaminated and keep it clean for longer. And, don’t forget to regularly check the fluid. If you notice any particles, change the fluid immediately. 

Check Pump When You Hear Strange Noises

Any whining or whirring sounds you hear as you drive could mean that your pump is malfunctioning. It's a signal that can alert you to have it checked immediately. Any delay may cause damage to other parts of the steering. 

Ensure The Hoses Are Working

A brittle or cracked hose can cause steering fluid to leak. Therefore, have them checked frequently to ensure they are in good condition to prevent steering issues. Replace faulty hoses immediately. 

Cost Of Repairing The Power Steering Assist 

How much does it cost to fix the power steering assist fault

If you need to replace the power steering pump, for a Ford Fusion, labor will cost you approximately between $123 and $155. The parts may cost you between $157 and $215.

Labor for changing power steering fluid for Ford Fusion costs around $95. You might incur more costs if there is a need to change parts, such as the filter and hose. 

Your mechanic should, however, be extra careful when adding or replacing oil. Adding the wrong fluid or pouring in too much fluid can cause more damage to the system, incurring more expenses on repairs. 

In Closing

The power steering assist helps to turn your car more easily. But, as soon as you experience difficulties with it, you should have it checked. There are several reasons your steering system could be faulty.

Diagnosing the problem correctly will help you provide the correct solution. This prevents further damage to the system, which could result in more expensive repairs.

For your steering system to last longer, we have included tips on how to maintain it in good condition.

Can you mix steering fluid, and what can you do when your Ford Fusion stalls? Learn the answers to these questions and more by clicking on the links below:

Can You Mix Power Steering Fluid

Why Is Ford Fusion Stalling

What does it mean when your car says power steering assist fault?

If a problem develops with the Power Steering Assist system, it will be deactivated. You'll see a warning in the message center that reads “Power steering assist fault.” When this happens, you need to have your car inspected immediately.

Can I drive with steering assist fault?

If your power steering fails, you can still operate the steering wheel—at least enough to make it to the side of the road. (You'll just be cursing yourself for not hitting the gym because it'll be much more difficult to turn the wheel.)

How much is it to fix power assisted steering?

The average cost to repair a power steering pump is somewhere between $200 and $350. What is this? To replace the power steering pump with a new part, it will cost between $400 and $800 (depending on car model and what shop you take it to).

What happens if the power assist in your steering fails?

When your power steering fails you will still be able to steer the vehicle, though it will require much more strength and effort. If power steering failure is accompanied by power-brake failure, you will have to push down hard on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle.