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Most power steering systems have two hoses that carry fluid to the steering wheel. These are high pressure and low-pressure hoses, and when they fail, your power steering will fail as well.
To replace your car’s power steering hose, you will pay between $174 and $400. The labor on this service should cost you $115-$145 and parts should run about $60-$260.
Power Steering Hose Replacement Cost Comparison
Your Mechanic
Work | Warranty | Price |
Parts & Labour | 12 months | $176-$403 |
Midas
Work | Warranty | Price |
Parts & Labour | 12 months | $187-$420 |
Mr. Tire
Work | Warranty | Price |
Parts & Labour | 12 months | $169-$399 |
NAPA
Work | Warranty | Price |
Parts & Labour | 24 months | $168-$409 |
Walmart
Work | Warranty | Price |
Parts | Limited | $59-$222 |
Amazon
Work | Warranty | Price |
Parts | Limited | $48-$260 |
What Is Power Steering Hose Replacement?
The power steering hoses and the connecting components can be located in a number of places. They may be under the axle, while the gearboxes could be near the wheel well or somewhere along the frames. The difference in location may not make the replacement process much longer or more involved for the mechanic, but the mechanic will likely look up manufacturer’s specifications for the vehicle before attempting work on the hoses to ensure they are dealing with the right components. They want to be sure they know where to look for the problem and not end up messing with the wrong components.
This process should be fairly quick, taking less than two hours and not involving more than a few parts at most. However, if you drive your vehicle in a damaged state, then more damage is likely to occur.
Benefits of Power Steering Hose Replacement
Since the hoses supply fluid to the power steering system, you need them if you are going to have an easy time driving the car. You will have better control over the wheel and the car itself with these hoses replaced, if they were giving you trouble before. You will also prevent damage to other systems that could have accrued if the problem was allowed to persist.
What Is Done during Power Steering Hose Replacement?
The mechanic will find out where the hoses are located, first of all, and check for leaks or other problems to ensure the issue is localized and that the hoses are all that needs to be changed out.
Then he will disconnect the hoses from the power steering pump and the steering gear. Fluid may need to be bled out, but once that is done, the new hoses can be installed. It’s as simple as screwing them in, in most cases.
Some cars have more than two steering fluid lines, and that means more work and more expense, but not by a lot.
When to Get Power Steering Hose Replacement
Since the hoses are supplying fluid to the power steering system, once they start to leak or stop functioning entirely, then you will experience a loss of power steering. The car may be harder to operate, and it may be difficult to steer the vehicle. You may not have as much control over the steering, which can be dangerous out on the road. You may also hear grinding or groaning noises from the front of the car. If you look at the fluid levels, you may see that they have dropped severely or that the fluid has turned a dark color.
All of these are signs that you probably have a problem with power steering, though it may not be the hose. It’s not wise to drive the car in this condition, as you could lose control and hit something. The hoses are meant to last for the lifetime of the car, but they can break down over time and they ought to be inspected when the rest of the vehicle is inspected, a couple times a year.
How to Save Money on Power Steering Hose Replacement
One way to save money with this repair is to simply do all the work on your own. If you know what you are doing and are somewhat experienced with car repair, then this should be a very simple preplacement job for you. Just be sure that you check all the power steering hoses for leaks and other problems.
You can also save money by sourcing quotes for the service. You may find a mechanic with a very good deal for you, but you want to to be careful that you don’t choose an unreliable one just because they are cheap.
Sample Power Steering Hose Replacement Costs
Model | Labor | Parts | Total |
Ford F-Series | $193-$245 | $112-$133 | $305-$378 |
Chevrolet Silverado | $193-$245 | $112-$133 | $305-$378 |
Ford Focus | $193-$245 | $112-$133 | $305-$378 |
Toyota Camry | $114-$145 | $62-$258 | $176-$403 |
Toyota Corolla | $114-$145 | $62-$258 | $176-$403 |
Nissan Altima | $114-$145 | $62-$258 | $176-$403 |
Honda CR-V | $114-$145 | $62-$258 | $176-$403 |
Honda Civic | $114-$145 | $62-$258 | $176-$403 |
Honda Accord | $114-$145 | $62-$258 | $176-$403 |
Ford Fusion | $193-$245 | $112-$133 | $305-$378 |