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How to Replace A Power Steering Pump

If you drive slowly down the road, take a corner and notice your steering wheels seems stiff your power steering pump may be going. Most power steering systems work by using a hydraulic system to steer the vehicle's wheels. The hydraulic pressure typically comes from a gerotor or rotary vane pump driven by the vehicle's engine. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder applies a force to the steering gear, which in turn steers the wheels.

 

 

Preparation:

  • Let the engine cool completely.
  • Spray penetrating spray on any nuts, bolts or hose connections that may give you a hard time later.
  • Be sure all connections are tightened to proper torque settings. Power steering (P/S) fluid pumps should be at VERY high pressure).
  • Chock any wheels that are not raised off the ground.
  • Remember to dispose of old fluids according to local laws.

 

 

Removing the old pump:

  1. Raise and support the vehicle if needed

Remember - Always place a safety stand under the raised part of the vehicle.

  1. Remove any parts that you think might get in the way of pulling out the power steering pump or hoses. If you're working anywhere near the battery, always remove the negative cable.
  2. Drain the power steering fluid from the reservoir.
  3. Depending on your type of vehicle, you can use a siphon pump to extract it from the reservoir or disconnect the feed and return lines; draining it into a drain pan. If a regular wrench won't loosen the lines, you may need special "line" wrenches. Be sure to loosen the lines BEFORE removing the pump mounting bolts. Oh, and be very careful draining the fluid. If you get it on any exhaust parts or belts, it could cause a fire later on.
  4. Loosen the feed and return lines from the pump.
  5. Loosen these lines BEFORE removing the pump mounting bolts.
  6. If you're only replacing the hoses and not the pump, disconnect the other end of the hose now.
  7. Double check your hoses. Some have a connection that's hidden in the engine bay, and you can end up removing more than you need to.
  8. Loosen and remove power steering pump bolts.
  9. On some vehicles, you can loosen the bolts for the pump by placing a socket through the holes in the pump's pulley.
  10. Remove the pump from your vehicle. If your new pump doesn't come with a pulley installed, you may need to remove the pulley from the old pump, and use that. 
  11. Drain the old pump completely and place it in the box that the new pump came in. Later you can return it to Parts King for your core refund (if applicable).
  12. This is a great time to check and see if there are any other parts that are showing wear or damage, and take care of them too.

 

 

Installing a new pump

  1. If necessary, install the pulley from the old pump on the new pump.

  2. Install any new hoses on the vehicle now, before installing the new pump.

  3. Place the new pump in the proper position.
    If possible, attach feed and return hoses to the pump before bolting it in place.

  4. Install pump mounting bolts and torque to proper specifications. On V-belt models, don't torque the bolts yet. Attach and/or tighten feed and return hoses to pump.

  5. Double check all connections in the fluid system for leaks.

  6. Install any belts that were removed, and adjust belt tension if necessary.

  7. Reinstall any other parts that were removed (brackets, shields, exhaust, etc.).

  8. Double check your hoses. Some have a connection that's hidden in the engine bay, and you can end up removing more than you need to.

  9. Fill the system with new power steering fluid. 
    Make sure you have the right fluid for your vehicle.

  10. Check for leaks. If you don't see any, put the lid on the reservoir.

  11. Connect the negative battery cable.

  12. Start engine, and look for leaks again.

  13. You need to "bleed" the system to get the air out.

NOTE - How bleeding is done changes from vehicle to vehicle. The following instructions are a general way of bleeding the steering hydraulic system.

  • Make sure both front wheels are raised off the ground.
  • With the engine running, slowly turn the steering wheel left to right, lightly touching the steering stop points.
  • Check your fluid level.
  • You may need to do this a numberof times to get all of the air out.
  • Once you're sure that all of the air is out of the system, lower the vehicle.