How much does it cost to replace power steering fluid

Last Updated: August 13, 2018

Table of Contents Show

How much does a power steering flush cost?
The process
When should I replace my power steering fluid?
What color is power steering fluid?
Average Reported Cost: $120
How much did you spend?
Recent articles & questions
How much does it cost to get power steering fluid changed?
Is changing power steering fluid necessary?
Can I replace power steering fluid myself?
What happens if you don't change your steering fluid?
Is power steering fluid expensive?

Because replacing your power steering fluid isn’t often on your routine maintenance schedule inside of your vehicle’s owners manual, some mechanics are often skeptical as to if the flush is really necessary.

Some say it’s an oversell, while other mechanics note it can absolutely help due to the grit and sludge that’s able to find its way into the fluid.

This fluid flows through your power steering system as its being pressurized by the steering pump by the way of pistons, plungers and valves.

As the system wears over time, particles can make its way into the fluid, often contaminating the fluid, which, if left ignored, can cause the system to fail.

While it’s debatable if you should routinely flush your power steering fluid, most mechanics agree on one thing — follow the owner’s manual to see what your manufacturer recommends.

How much does a power steering flush cost?

The cost of flushing your vehicle’s power steering fluid will really depend on the mechanic/dealer you use and your geographical location. As a standalone flush and nothing else included, the costs are often between $65 to $115, but if you were to have this flush done with other routine repairs, then the costs could be much higher as it’s combined as a package. Seeing the flush itself is a relatively quick procedure, most shops will charge you the shop minimum and a few dollars for the power steering fluid, with dealerships often charging up to 40% more than a mechanic.

Angie’s List, for example, says that most of the experts they talked to charged anywhere between $99 and $125.

According to the official Pep Boy’s pricing list, its “Power Steering Flush Service Package” starts at $69.99, for instance.

At Jiffy Lube, when we called a local location, they said its power steering flush starts at $69.99, but it heavily dependent on the geographical location.

The process

The process is relatively straightforward as with most fluid exchanges.

Before the fluid is even flushed, however, the mechanic will first check to make sure no leaks are present. This will include checking any hoses, clamps and fittings for any leaks.

Once it’s confirmed no leaks are present, the power steering reservoir is emptied and is then filled with the correct type designed for your vehicle. Do keep in mind that if the wrong fluid is poured into the system, it can cause intensively damaged.

Nex, the mechanic will bleed the steering system and any residual fluid will be cleaned up at this time.

The car is then started, tested and will be inspected for any leaks before the flush is considered complete.

When should I replace my power steering fluid?

In some cases, there may be signs it’s time to replace your power steering fluid. For starters, if you see any dirty fluid and/or noise coming from the power steering, then it could indicate the fluid needs to be changed, but this isn’t always the case as you could have a faulty power steering part. Mechanics will often tell you to listen for a moaning-like sound because this can indicate the fluid levels are low.

Other signs to look out for, aside from listening to the noises, includes difficulty turning the wheel or brown/black fluid inside of the power steering fluid reservoir — a sign that indicates the fluid is contaminated.

As for a maintenance schedule, the service should be done either every 36 months or about every 75,000 miles, whichever comes first. This will all depend on your vehicle’s age, condition and the mechanic’s recommendation. The next time you do take your car in for routine maintenance, talk with the mechanic to see what he or she recommends as, again, you often won’t find it inside of your vehicle’s owners manual.

What color is power steering fluid?

Power steering fluid, usually, is a slight variant of transmission fluid, with pink, clear and red being the most common colors. To know for sure which colors your power steering fluid should be, mechanics recommend checking your owner’s manual to know for certain. If the fluids are either black or a darker brown, then this is a tell-tale sign the fluid is contaminated and should be swapped, especially if it has a bad smell to it.

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Average Reported Cost: $120

How much did you spend?

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How much does it cost to get power steering fluid changed?

Experts say they typically charge between $99 and $125 for a standard power-steering flush. One thing the auto pros don't agree on is how frequently power-steering fluid should be flushed. Manouchekian says the service should be done about every two years, while Peck recommends about every 75,000 to 100,000 miles.

Is changing power steering fluid necessary?

On average, vehicles need a power steering fluid flush every 40,000-80,000 miles. In some cases, manufacturer recommendations can go even higher or lower than this range. Your recommended flush routine depends heavily on your type of vehicle—as the steering system and fluid needs can vary.

Can I replace power steering fluid myself?

Changing your power steering fluid yourself is cheap and easy, providing extra insurance against other problems that can crop up. It also gives you an opportunity to check for leaks and replace any other components that need it.

What happens if you don't change your steering fluid?

Over time, O-rings, seals and other internal power steering components can deteriorate and result in a leak. Such a leak could cause serious damage to the rest of the system, including the pump.

Is power steering fluid expensive?

Power steering fluid costs around $10 a bottle, and the bottle will last you a couple of top-offs. Opting to refill the power steering fluid yourself is a pretty easy process, even for those who are intimidated by the prospect of looking under the hood.