power steering pump failed

[kirkor]

I have a 99 Outback Legacy (~ 80K miles) and was just informed by the
dealer that the power steering pump has failed (along with many oil
leak issues) and that the repair is going to be in the tune of $820.

Does this sound right? After a little poking around on the web and on
this forum I see that the symptoms we felt were indicative of the p/s
pump failing yet I am wary of the price being quoted.

Any thoughts or experience with this?

Thanks,

- Roland

 

[Rick Courtright]

Does this sound right? After a little poking around on the web and on
this forum I see that the symptoms we felt were indicative of the p/s
pump failing yet I am wary of the price being quoted.

Hi,

Are you any kind of a wrench yourself? If so, would you think of looking
at junk yards and swapping out the pump yourself? It's not a huge job,
and the Haynes/Chiltons books usually have enough info the average shade
tree guy can do it without much drama, including bleeding the system at
the end.

Now, the price you quoted: is that JUST for the pump, or does it include
other seals? It seems high for just a pump, but I don't know what a
factory pump's going for these days. If seals are part of the quote, you
might as well replace timing belts, perhaps a water pump, at the same
time. You've gotta get into the engine far enough to do seals that the
rest of the items shouldn't add much more than the price of parts to the
overall job cost. Also, don't forget to get a "second opinion" on
price--even asking about it may yield a little discount!

Best of luck,

Rick