How to Replace a Power Steering Pump

Power Steering Pump Replacement

Power Steering PumpPARTS
Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Pump

TOOLS
Drain Pan

Safety Tip:

Always wear safety glasses when working on your vehicle. Wear other personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, for example latex gloves or closed toe shoes.

1

With the engine off and cold, open the hood and locate the power steering pump. Refer to vehicle owner's manual for the specific location.

2

Identify and remove the power steering drive belt.
Photo may not be specific to your vehicle

3

Place a drain pan under the power steering pump. Disconnect the power steering lines at the power steering pump.

4

Remove power steering pump mounting bolts.
Photo may not be specific to your vehicle

5

Remove the power steering pump from the mounting bracket.

6

Install the new power steering pump to the mounting bracket.

7

Reconnect the lines to the power steering pump.

8

Reinstall the power steering drive belt. Adjust belt tension and torque bolts to manufacturer's specifications.
Photo may not be specific to your vehicle

9

Add power steering fluid to the reservoir.
Photo may not be specific to your vehicle

10

Start the engine to circulate the power steering fluid. Stop the engine and refill the steering pump reservoir.

11

Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from left to right.

12

Turn off the engine and top off power steering fluid reservoir.

13

Road test to verify the steering pump repair.

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How to Replace a Power Steering Pump
Before you replace your power steering pump make sure you have diagnosed the problem properly. There are two components involved in the power steering system, the power steering pump and the power steering gear. There are a number of tell tale signs that can point to the power steering pump. You can have power steering fluid leaks, rattles, whines or growls. Also be alert to the steering effort needed to turn the wheel, either too easy or too hard in one or both directions. Inspect the power steering fluid level on level ground with the engine off. Look for any indication of contamination like; milky fluid, brown fluid or any debris like plastic or dirt. Flush the system completely with new fluid. Sometimes a slow leak will drain the reservoir and cause your power steering pump to labor because it is low on fluid. Finding and fixing the source of the leak is a good first step in repairing the problem, but not a guarantee that the pump is going to be okay. Running a hydraulic pump without fluid can permanently damage the unit. Inspect the power steering fittings, hoses, reservoir, cooler and pump for leaks. Inspect that all fittings are tight. If the pump must be replaced here is how you do it.
Before you begin start by parking the car on a level surface with the engine off. Make sure the parking brake is on with the transmission in park. Be sure to wear protective eyewear, clothing and gloves because you will be dealing with power steering fluid.
Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete the Job
1. Wrench Set
2. Sockets with Ratchet and Extensions
3. Power Steering Pulley Removal and Installation Tool

4. Power Steering Fluid
5. Replacement Power Steering Pump

CAUTION
If the vehicle has been driven recently, the pump, hoses, and fluid could be extremely hot. Use caution when handling components to avoid burns.

If a growling noise is present in the power steering pump after the fluid level is checked and air has been bled from the system, the pump bearing or other components are defective and pump replacement or repair is required. When the power steering pump pressure is lower than specified, pump replacement or repair is necessary.

To replace the power steering pump, proceed as follows:

1. Disconnect the power steering return hose from the remote reservoir or pump. Allow the fluid to drain from this hose into a drain pan. Discard the used fluid.
2. Loosen the bracket or belt tension adjusting bolt, and the pump mounting bolt.
3. Loosen the belt tension until the belt can be removed. On some cars, it is necessary to lift the vehicle on a hoist and gain access to the power steering pump from underneath the vehicle.
4. Remove the hoses from the pump, and cap the pump fittings and hoses.
5. Remove the belt tension adjusting bolt and the mounting bolt, and remove the pump.
6. Check the pump mounting bolts and bolt holes for wear. Worn bolts must be replaced. If the bolt mounting holes in the pump are worn, pump replacement is necessary.
7. Reverse steps 1 through 5 to install the power steering pump. Tighten the belt as described previously, and tighten the pump mounting and bracket bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. If o-rings are used on the pressure hose, replace the o-rings. Be sure the hoses are not contacting the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, or exhaust pipe during or after pump replacement.
8. Fill the pump reservoir with the manufacturer's recommended power steering fluid, and bleed air from the power steering system as described earlier.

Types of power steering pumps. Courtesy of Moog Automotive, Inc.


Instructions
Step 1 - Make sure to place a drain pan or fluid catch below the pump.
Step 2 - Remove the serpentine drive belt and power steering pulley.
Step 3 - Disconnect the power steering return hoses from the pump. Watch for fluid draining out of the hoses.
Step 4 - Remove the power steering pump rear mounting bracket nut from the engine.
Step 5 - Remove the power steering pump mounting bolts and remove the accessory bracket.
Step 6 - Remove the power steering pump.
Step 7 - Remove the power steering pressure hose from under the pump.
Step 8 - Install the rear bracket onto the power steering pump and tighten.
Step 9 - Install the power steering pressure hose to the pump and tighten.
Step 10 - Install the power steering pump mounting bolts and tighten.
Step 11 - Install rear mounting bracket to engine stud and tighten.
Step 12 - Install power steering return hoses to the pump.
Step 13 - Install accessory mounting bracket.
Step 14 - Install power steering pulley and tighten.
Step 15 - Fill and bleed the power steering system
(note: its normal for the power steering system to have small bubbles in the fluid when the system is refilled and engine started. This will create a whining noise that should go away in about thirty miles. At this point you should recheck the fluid level.)

Best Practices
Always replace the serpentine belt when replacing the power steering pump
Make sure all mounting hardware is tight to the engine block or cylinder head.
Flush the power steering system with new fluid. (note: if there are metal flakes in the fluid you may need to flush the system more than once).

This will Help.
Thanks.

Related Car Repair Information

How Does Power Steering Work?
Changing a Serpentine Belt
How to Fix Steering Wheel Shakes While Braking
Repair Power Steering Problems
Steering is Making a Growling Noise
Checking Power Steering Fluid