When power steering fails, the car doesn't stop, but it suddenly becomes hard work to turn, especially when parking. Sometimes it's a cheap hose or a top-up of fluid; sometimes it's a new steering rack or electric steering column that runs well into four figures. Here are the warning signs, how hydraulic and electric systems differ, what each repair typically costs in the UK, and when a warranty may help.
How power steering works
Power steering adds assistance so you can turn the wheel without much effort. Cars use one of three main types:
- Hydraulic power steering (HPS): an engine-driven pump pushes fluid through hoses to the steering rack. Common on older cars and some larger vehicles.
- Electro-hydraulic steering (EHPS): the same hydraulic rack, but the pump is driven by an electric motor rather than the engine belt.
- Electric power steering (EPS): no fluid at all. An electric motor on the steering column or rack provides the assistance, controlled by a torque sensor and a control module. Most cars built in the last ten to fifteen years use EPS, including hybrids and electric cars.
Knowing which type your car has matters, because the faults, the warning signs and the repair costs are quite different. Your handbook will say, or a garage can tell you in seconds. If there's a power steering fluid reservoir under the bonnet, the car has a hydraulic or electro-hydraulic system.
Warning signs of power steering problems
- Heavy steering: the wheel suddenly takes much more effort, especially at low speed or when parking. It may be constant or come and go.
- A steering warning light: on cars with EPS, a yellow or red steering wheel symbol on the dashboard, often with an exclamation mark, means the system has detected a fault and may have reduced or switched off assistance.
- Whining or groaning: on hydraulic systems, a whine that rises with engine speed, or a groan on full lock, usually points to low fluid, air in the system or a failing pump.
- Fluid leaks: red, pink or amber fluid under the front of the car, or a reservoir that keeps needing a top-up, suggests a leaking hose, seal or rack.
- Knocking or clunking through the wheel when turning or over bumps can mean wear in the rack, the column or the joints connected to it.
- Notchy or uneven steering: assistance that feels stronger one way than the other, or a wheel that sticks and then frees, can be a torque sensor or rack fault.
- Wandering or play: a car that won't hold a straight line, or a wheel that moves before the car responds, is worth checking immediately.
Is it safe to drive with failed power steering?
If assistance fails, you can still steer, because the mechanical link between the wheel and the front wheels remains. But the steering can become very heavy, especially at low speed, and a sudden loss of assistance in the middle of a bend or roundabout can catch you out. If the steering warning light comes on or the steering suddenly feels heavy, slow down, find a safe place to stop, and get it checked before driving further than you need to.
If the steering feels loose, knocks badly, or the car pulls sharply, don't drive it. A worn or damaged steering component is a safety issue and a likely MOT failure.
Common causes of power steering failure
- Low or old fluid (hydraulic): a leak or simply old, contaminated fluid can starve the pump and cause whining and heavy steering.
- Leaking hoses and seals: the high-pressure hose from the pump to the rack is a common failure point, as are seals inside the rack.
- Failed pump: on hydraulic systems, the pump wears with age and mileage. A whining pump often fails completely if ignored, and running it low on fluid speeds this up.
- Worn steering rack: the rack itself can leak internally or externally, or develop play and knocking.
- Electric motor, torque sensor or control module faults (EPS): the motor, the sensor that measures how hard you're turning, or the control module can fail, usually triggering the warning light.
- Electrical supply problems: because EPS draws a lot of current, a weak battery, failing alternator or poor earth connection can cause intermittent steering warnings. It's worth checking these before replacing expensive parts. Our alternator guide explains the charging side.
- Pothole and kerb damage: a heavy impact can bend steering components or damage the rack. Our suspension repair guide covers pothole damage in more detail.
How much does power steering repair cost in the UK?
The figures below are estimated typical ranges at UK independent garages in 2026, including parts, labour and VAT. Main dealers usually charge more.
| Repair | Typical cost (independent garage) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis and fault code read | £50 – £120 | Often deducted if the garage does the repair |
| Power steering fluid flush (hydraulic) | £60 – £150 | Correct fluid type matters |
| Power steering hose | £150 – £450 | High-pressure hoses at the upper end |
| Power steering pump (hydraulic) | £300 – £800 | Electro-hydraulic pumps can be more |
| Steering rack (hydraulic) | £500 – £1,300 | Reconditioned racks at the lower end |
| Electric steering rack or column (EPS) | £700 – £2,200 | Premium and larger cars at the upper end |
| Torque sensor or EPS control module | £250 – £900 | Some need coding to the car |
| Track rod ends (pair) | £80 – £200 | Usually treated as a wear item |
| Wheel alignment after steering work | £50 – £100 | Usually needed after a rack or track rod job |
These are estimates, not quotes. Prices vary with the car, the region and whether new, reconditioned or used parts are fitted. A steering rack on a large SUV or premium saloon can cost more than the ranges above. For other jobs, see our UK repair costs hub.
Repair or replace? Reconditioned versus new parts
Steering racks, pumps and EPS columns are widely available reconditioned, which can save a third or more compared with a new part. A good reconditioned unit from a reputable supplier usually comes with its own parts warranty. For EPS components, make sure the replacement matches the car's part number and that the garage can code or calibrate it, because some cars won't accept a new module without programming.
On hydraulic systems, ask the garage to flush the fluid when a new pump or rack is fitted. Contaminated fluid from the old part can damage the new one.
How to look after your power steering
- Check the fluid level on hydraulic systems at every service, using the fluid type in your handbook.
- Don't hold the steering on full lock for long, as it puts the hydraulic system under maximum pressure.
- Avoid turning the wheel hard while stationary when you can; letting the car roll slightly reduces the load.
- Keep the battery and charging system healthy on cars with electric steering.
- Act early on noises and leaks. A whining pump or weeping hose is far cheaper to fix than a seized pump or a damaged rack.
Does a car warranty cover power steering?
It often can. A mechanical breakdown warranty pays towards eligible repairs when a covered part fails suddenly, subject to the terms. Steering racks, power steering pumps and electric steering components are commonly included where they fail, while wear items such as track rod ends, bushes and gaiters are usually excluded, along with damage from potholes, kerbs or accidents. Our guide to wear and tear explains where that line is drawn.
A warranty is not insurance. ClearPath pays up to £3,000 per eligible claim including parts, labour and VAT, with unlimited eligible claims, labour up to £100 an hour and a £100 excess per authorised claim. You can use any VAT-registered UK garage, but you must contact ClearPath and have the repair authorised before work starts. Whether steering parts are included on your plan depends on your cover schedule, so always check it. Our guide on how to make a warranty claim walks through the steps.
ClearPath offers instant online quotes for petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric cars up to 15 years old and 150,000 miles, from £14.88 a month, with a 14-day cooling-off period and a full refund if you haven't claimed.
The bottom line
Heavy steering, a whining pump, a fluid leak or a steering warning light all deserve attention quickly. On a hydraulic system, the fix may be a hose or a fluid flush; on electric steering, check the battery and charging system before replacing expensive parts. A new rack or EPS column typically costs £500 to £2,200 at an independent garage, so it's worth knowing whether your warranty includes steering components before something fails. To see what cover would cost for your car, get an instant quote.
