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How to Pay for a Power Steering Repair

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Power Steering Repair

A stiff steering wheel is a safety issue you cannot ignore, so here is how to handle the bill without draining your emergency fund.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,100 before anything else
Across the 0% window $61.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,100 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A leaky rack and pinion makes your car feel heavy and dangerous to steer. When you see fluid pooling under the front end, you need to act fast to avoid damaging the pump or losing control on the road.

A typical shop bill for this job hovers around $1100. It is a necessary expense that usually hits when you least expect it, but you can manage the cash flow if you have a plan in place.

Remember that the 0% window is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance after 18 months, the bank will charge you interest on the remaining amount, which can get expensive quickly.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get multiple estimates

    Call three independent shops instead of going straight to the dealer. Ask if they use remanufactured parts, which can shave a few hundred dollars off the total bill without sacrificing safety.

  2. 02

    Negotiate the labor

    Once you have your quotes, show the lowest one to your preferred shop. Ask if they can match it or get closer to that price to win your business.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity card

    You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you spread that $1100 cost over 18 months at $61.11 per month. It keeps your monthly cash flow steady while you pay off the repair.

  4. 04

    Automate your payments

    Set up an auto-pay for at least $65 every month. This ensures you pay off the full balance before the 18-month window closes.

  5. 05

    Check your warranty

    Ask the shop for a written warranty on the parts and labor. Most reputable mechanics will cover their work for at least 12 months or 12,000 miles.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is it safe to drive with a power steering leak?

No. You risk the pump running dry and failing, which makes the steering extremely heavy and difficult to control.

Why is the labor so expensive for this repair?

The rack and pinion is buried deep in the front end. Mechanics often have to remove other components just to get to it, which takes a lot of time.

Should I buy the parts myself to save money?

Most shops will not install customer-supplied parts because they cannot warranty them. You are usually better off letting the shop source the part.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% offer early and trigger high interest rates. Always pay at least the minimum on time.