Power steering pump

[andromeda]

A mechanic I know says I may have a problem with the pump for the power steering fluid. He has no financial gain from the comment. There's a slight grinding noise. He said to keep topping it up. Please can anyone tell me the urgency in getting it fixed and consequences of not immediately doing so? Any ideas of cost as well please?
Generally becoming disillusioned with my holiday home.
Thanks for reading.

 

[witzend]

You'd have to search with van year model etc to get a price. You can get a conditioning fluid for steering which may help but I think its mainly for the seals

Power Steering Pumps & Hydraulics - Steering - Steering & Suspension

coastalmotorhomes.co.uk

 

[GeoffL]

Depends on what the base vehicle is. FWIW, we have a 2001 van based on a 2.8 idTD Ducato that developed a power steering leak a few years ago. I bought a couple of litres of fluid and stopped every few miles to top up the reservoir to get the van to the garage that does our servicing. They replaced the leaking hose and flushed system before refilling. The power steering now creaks a little but it's been through a few MOTs and worked perfectly since. Of course, YMMV...
That said, you probably need to have any leakage sorted out as failed seals or joints might not get through MOT testing.