When it comes to your car and its steering components, your power steering pump ranks high for convenience. This helpful car part eliminates the heavy feeling that comes from hulking the steering wheel, streamlining the steering experience. Like any car part, your power steering pump will eventually fatigue, and the time will come to buy a new one. But can you buy just any power steering pump on the market?

Are Power Steering Pumps Interchangeable?

In a word: no. Because no two cars are the same, each model will have a unique power steering pump corresponding to its specific engine setup. So, if you have a Toyota HiAce, you can’t swap out the power steering pump for a Mazda 3 equivalent. What you can do, though, is hit up a steering and suspension supplier for aftermarket parts tailored to your car model. For example, we have a wide range of power steering pumps available online, so please browse the Machter online store or reach out to one of our helpful staff members if you need help finding a particular model power steering pump.

Can a Power Steering Pump Be Repaired or Rebuilt?

While you can repair or rebuild a power steering pump, it’s often more economical to buy new. Car parts wear with time and usually don’t outlive the vehicle itself. Ergo, if your power steering pump is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s often best to cut your losses and start afresh with a shiny new and reliable power steering pump. If your steering pump has broken down once, chances are it will again. Therefore, repairing the same part repeatedly will cost you more time and money in the long run. Moreover, buying new is the safer option—and when it comes to cars, safety is something on which you can’t afford to compromise.

Are Power Steering Pumps Expensive?

When it comes to car-related purchases, there’s always some expense involved. That isn’t to say, though, that you can’t find ways to reduce the cost. A great way to dodge extra expenses is to shop around and avoid making transactions with the first car salesman you encounter. This will give you a clear picture of what’s on the market and the price range you’re dealing with. Of course, when you’re looking into steering and suspension part suppliers, be sure to avoid anything that looks too good to be true. While you can certainly find competitively priced items, anything that is heavily discounted or otherwise far cheaper than the rest is likely to be more trouble than it's worth.

Your best bet for cost-effective shopping, though, is buying online or looking into aftermarket options. When you shop aftermarket, you don’t need to explain your situation, as the assumption is that you’re seeking one puzzle piece rather than the whole picture. Every aftermarket piece and price is informed by—and created in—this image. Ergo, you may find that the steering and suspension supplier stocks a 5L power steering pump at a more reasonable price than you may find elsewhere, particularly when compared with genuine parts.

The Unmatchable Machter

When it comes to affordability and quality, you can’t match Machter. Machter is an aftermarket car parts, steering and suspension supplier that stocks products specific to your model of vehicle. Founded by auto enthusiasts, we want to help you get the best out of your car. That’s why we employ no used car salesman playbook—everything you get from us is high-quality, brand new, accessible and affordable.

Whether you want a power steering pump for your BMW E46 or for that classic Toyota HiAce, we’ve got what you need. So, if you feel your power steering pump straining or running dry, be sure to check out Machter’s online store and get your Mazda 3—or whatever your car of choice—turning like a champion once more.