How to Replace a Power Steering Pump

Are you experiencing difficulty in steering your vehicle? Are you hearing strange noises, such as whining or squealing, when you turn the wheel? These could be signs that it's time to replace your vehicle's power steering pump. The power steering pump is a crucial component that assists in making steering easier by applying hydraulic pressure to the steering system. Over time, it can wear out or develop leaks, leading to a loss of power assistance and potential damage to other steering components. Let the King walk you through the steps of replacing your power steering pump, ensuring a smoother and safer driving experience.
 

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.

How to Replace a Power Steering Pump

Removing the Old Power Steering Pump

1. Raise and support the vehicle if needed (for more information, see our DIY on How to Jack up a Vehicle Safely). 
2. Remove any parts that might prevent you from removing the power steering pump or hoses. If you're working near the battery, always remove the negative cable.
3. Drain the power steering fluid from the reservoir.
4. Depending on your type of vehicle, you can use a siphon pump to extract the fluid 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. Be very careful draining the fluid. If you get it on any exhaust parts or belts, it could cause a fire later on.
5. Loosen the feed and return lines from the pump.
6. Loosen these lines BEFORE removing the pump mounting bolts.
7. If you're only replacing the hoses and not the pump, disconnect the other end of the hose now.
8. Double-check your hoses. Some have a connection hidden in the engine bay, and you can end up removing more than you need to.
9. Loosen and remove power steering pump bolts.
10. On some vehicles, you can loosen the pump bolts by placing a socket through the holes in the pump's pulley.
11. 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. 
12. 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).
13. This is a great time to check and see if there are any other parts showing wear or damage and take care of them, too.
     

How to Replace a Power Steering Pump

Installing the New Power Steering 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.
4. If possible, attach feed and return hoses to the pump before bolting it in place.
5. Install the pump mounting bolts and torque them to the proper specifications. On V-belt models, don't torque the bolts yet. Attach and/or tighten the feed and return hoses to the pump.
6. Double-check all connections in the fluid system for leaks.
7. Install any belts that were removed, and adjust belt tension if necessary.
8. Reinstall any other parts that were removed (brackets, shields, exhaust, etc.).
9. Double-check your hoses. Some have a connection hidden in the engine bay, and you can end up removing more than you need to.
10. Fill the system with new power steering fluid, making sure you have the right fluid for your vehicle.
11. Check for leaks. If you don't see any, put the lid on the reservoir.
12. Connect the negative battery cable.
13. Start the engine, and look for leaks again.
14. You need to "bleed" the system to get the air out.

NOTE: Bleeding the system will vary by 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 number of 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