My mechanic told me there was a leak in my power steering pump but the repair costs about 900. I haven't seen any problem in the car though.
so, is a leak in the power steering pump bad? what should I do?
Eight answers:
?
2010-09-01 19:48:23 UTC
Add power steering fluid with stop leak as needed, as long as the fluid is full it will not cause further damage..
nova73guy
2010-09-02 02:50:34 UTC
The problem with a leaking power steering fluid is you're dumping oil on the ground everywhere you go. It not only leaves ugly stains in the driveway, it also harms the environment. It also costs you money, since you have to keep refilling the system in order to drive the car safely. When the system runs out of fluid it gets extremely hard to steer, and can cause a serious problem when driving in traffic or trying to avoid an accident.
Get a second or third opinion on getting the work done somewhere else. Check around outside of the town/city where you live, and even talk to the dealership. I don't know what kind of car you have, but $900 seems like a lot unless you need more than just a pump.
Mitchell
2010-09-02 02:49:03 UTC
A leak in the Power Steering Pump is bad. However you need to know is it the pump, the hose, or the connection. Also is it a fast leak? These are questions to ask your mechanic. A power steering pump repair for 900 sounds a little much for me. I would just spend the money to replace the whole thing. I would second source it if it were me. Try your local Automotive Parts Store.
Kevin7
2010-09-02 02:49:59 UTC
How Bad?
That depends on where the leak is and how much is leaking
What to do?
Top it off with power steering fluid and unload that thing on some sucker and buy a better car
The leak might just be a loose power steering hose fitting but it is probably a seal in the ram going out and that is spendy to fix
If it is a small leak, then just keep an eye on power steering fluid level and keep dumping oil in, in warm weather cheaper hydraulic fluid would work just fine.
Dont let it run out of fluid because that will eventually ruin your power steering pump
Good Luck!
Dan B
2010-09-02 03:05:04 UTC
$900 to replace the power steering pump is OUTRAGEOUS!!!. The pump for my car is $124 retail after core return.
Monitor your power steering fluid levels daily to see how much you are losing. Park in a clean area to see if you are pooling power steering fluid under the car. If you need a pump, go find another mechanic.
If the leak is in the rack and pinion assembly, then $900 may not be out of line. Rack and pinion for my car is $400 retail (after core return).
Labor, of course, will be extra.
Hsiang T
2010-09-02 02:48:54 UTC
you will need to do some observations to be able to answer your own question
1) Learn to check the power steering fluid level, and monitor to get an idea how quickly it leaks. Be sure to add the specified fluid if it gets low. Your steering may also make a grinding sound if it's running low.
2) Whether to repair depends on how bad the leak is, and how much you really care to fix it on your car. If your car is already old and the fluid loss is not too bad, you can just add fluid periodically (keep it in your car). $900 will buy a lot of fluid.
Fat Freddy's Cat
2010-09-02 02:51:01 UTC
If your steering pump is leaking, ya replace it. But for 900? :O I'd shop around if I was you.
?
2010-09-02 02:59:16 UTC
If it's real bad it should be replaced. If not just keep it full. The front seal behind the pulley is the most expensive and worst type of leak.
It depends how bad the leak is.
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