Chevy Traverse Power Steering Pump Replacement Cost

A power steering in a Chevy Traverse, like other cars, allows drivers to steer their vehicles with minimal effort while also improving steering responsiveness. It achieves this by using hydraulic or electrical mechanisms to improve the force you exert on your steering. 

The power steering, however, is pressurized by a power steering pump. If the pump is not replaced when needed, you may find it difficult to turn your steering wheel. So, how much does it cost to replace a power steering pump on a Chevy Traverse?

Chevy Traverse power steering pump replacement cost

A Chevy Traverse power steering pump replacement costs between $541-$732, with most of the cost going to labor. Typically, parts average between $164-$237, while labor lurks between $305-$390. 

When to replace a power steering pump?

If you notice any of the following symptoms, your power steering pump might be due for replacement.

Difficult and heavy steering 

When your Chevy Traverse power steering pump is bad, you will find it difficult to turn your steering wheel, especially at low speeds. In addition to this, the steering wheels will also feel heavy.

Slow responsiveness

A bad power steering pump will cause your car to respond slowly when you turn the steering wheel.

Fluid leak

Another way to know your power steering pump is failing is to look out for puddles of fluid under your car. A hydraulic power steering pump uses a power steering fluid, usually red in color, which can leak when the pump is faulty. 

Noise when turning 

A failing power steering will often result in a groaning or whining noise when turning your car. This noise can surface if the pump bearing or impeller vanes are wearing out.  

However, the noise can also occur if your fluid level is low or air trapped in the system. Note that if you had been running your vehicle on a dry power steering fluid for long, topping it will not eliminate the noise. Here, you will need to get the pump replaced.

How to replace power steering pump

With labor taking most of a power steering pump replacement cost, you can save over $300 if you do the replacement yourself. However, ensure you have the right tools and knowledge to carry this out. If you’re unsure how to do this, leave it to experts to avoid bodily harm or causing more damage to your car.

Tools needed:

• A replacement power steering pump–used or new
• Power steering fluid to top the fluid in the power steering system after replacing the pump
• Power steering pulley removal kit to remove the power steering pulleys before working on the system 
• Chevy Traverse Power steering hose removal kit to remove the power steering hose without harming them
• Socket and torque wrench to help connect and disconnect different parts of the power steering 
• Drain pan to catch the power steering fluid when draining the system
• Car jacks and stands to give you safe access underneath your car   

Procedure

Step 1: Accessing the old pump

First disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative terminal. Using a jack, lift your car and support it with jack stands. Open the hood, remove the engine cover, and locate the drive belt. 

Now, remove the drive belt by loosening the tensioner pulley. Next is to remove the engine cover, then remove the radiator fan to access the steering pump.

Step 2: Drain the system

To begin working on the pump, first drain the power steering fluid. To do this, remove the power steering cooler lines connected to the power steering pump and allow the fluid to flow into the drain pan till the flow stops.

Step 3: Remove the old pump

With the power steering belt already removed, remove the mounting bolts holding the pump in place. After which, detach the power steering hose using your specific Chevy power steering removal hose.

Using a power steering pulley removal kit, detach the power steering pulley by removing the lock nuts. If you’re reusing the power steering pump pulley, just detach it to the new pump. With these done, you should be able to remove the pump now.

Step 4: Install the new power steering pump

Bring the old mounting bracket to the new pump and secure it using the old nuts. Now, Connect the hoses to the pump, then bolt the pump in place. After which, reconnect the power steering belt and tighten it to manufacturer spec.

Step 5: Refill the power steering fluid

Fill up the power steering fluid reservoir and reconnect the car battery beginning from positive terminals. Move the steering wheel right and left to remove air from the lines and ensure the fluid is evenly circulated in the system. 

Step 6: Go for a test drive

immediately you notice that the movement of the power steering wheel feels smooth and consistent, take out the car for a drive to ensure the pump is working effectively. Once you’re back, look under your car for reddish puddles to ensure there is no fluid leak.  

How long does it take to replace a power steering pump?

With the correct tools and knowledge, replacing a power steering pump can take 1-3 hours. But of course, a professional who has been doing it for a long time will use less time than a DIYer who does it occasionally.

What is the life expectancy of a power steering pump? 

A power steering pump can serve you for 100,000 miles or even more before the need to replace it. However, if you’ve been carrying out routine maintenance on your car, your power steering pump might last longer. More so, use only your manufacturer-recommended power steering fluid and top off regularly. 

Conclusion

If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably gotten the answer to your question on how much it costs to replace a power steering pump on your Chevy Traverse. To recap, the replacement cost is between $541-$732.

While this is a lot of money, replacing it on time not only prevents more damage to the power steering systems but also allows you to steer your vehicle at ease. You can, however, reduce this cost by doing the replacement yourself if you have the right tools and expertise.