4 Easy Steps to Remove Power Steering Pump

The power steering pump is a critical component of your vehicle’s steering system, providing the hydraulic pressure needed to turn the wheels. Over time, the pump can wear out or fail, leading to a loss of power steering assist. If you suspect that your power steering pump is failing, it’s important to take action quickly to avoid further damage to your vehicle.

Removing the power steering pump is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours. However, it’s important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the pump or other components. Before starting, gather the necessary tools and materials, including a new power steering pump, power steering fluid, a socket wrench, and a drain pan. Once you have everything you need, you can begin the removal process.

First, locate the power steering pump in your vehicle’s engine bay. It will typically be mounted on the front of the engine and connected to the steering rack by a high-pressure hose. Once you have located the pump, use the socket wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it in place. Be careful not to lose any of the bolts, as they can be difficult to replace. Once the bolts are loose, carefully remove the pump from the engine bay. Be sure to disconnect the high-pressure hose from the pump before removing it completely.

Safety Precautions

Before attempting to remove the power steering pump, it is crucial to adhere to the following safety precautions to ensure the well-being of both yourself and your vehicle:

1. Wear Proper Protective Gear:

Always don appropriate safety attire, including eye protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Keep loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair away from moving parts.

2. Ensure Vehicle Stability:

Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent rolling.
Jack up the front of the vehicle using approved jack stands to provide a stable work area.

3. Disconnect the Battery:

Locate the battery’s negative terminal and disconnect it using a wrench or socket.
This will isolate the electrical system and prevent accidental shorts or injuries.

4. Allow the Engine to Cool:

Allow the engine to cool down completely before starting any work.
Hot engine parts can cause serious burns if touched.

5. Inspect and Prepare the Work Area:

Make sure the work area is well-lit and free from obstructions.
Gather all necessary tools and materials before beginning the removal process.

6. Read and Follow Instructions:

Refer to the vehicle’s repair manual for specific instructions and torque specifications.
Ignoring these guidelines could result in damage to the power steering system or other components.

7. Seek Professional Assistance if Needed:

If you encounter any difficulties or feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic.

Tools and Materials Required

Before embarking on the task of removing a power steering pump, it is imperative to gather the necessary tools and materials. This will ensure a smooth and efficient process. The following list provides a comprehensive overview of the items you will need:

Wrenches and Sockets

Various sizes of wrenches, both open-end and box-end
Socket set with extension and ratchet
Adjustable wrench
Crowfoot wrench (optional but highly recommended)

Other Tools

Jack and jack stands
Drain pan
Power steering fluid
Funnel
Rag or shop towel
Safety glasses
Nitrile gloves

Replacement Parts

New power steering pump
Power steering pump gasket
O-rings (if applicable)

Additionally, it is important to have a working knowledge of basic automotive repair techniques and a familiarity with the specific vehicle you will be working on. If you are not comfortable performing this task yourself, it is advisable to consult a qualified mechanic.

Disconnect the Battery

Before you start working on the power steering pump, it’s essential to disconnect the battery. This will prevent any electrical shorts or accidents from occurring. You should remember that the negative battery terminal is usually black, while the positive terminal is red. To disconnect the battery, follow these steps:

Locate the battery in your car. It’s usually located in the engine compartment under the hood.
Identify the negative terminal, which usually has a black cover. This is the terminal connected to the chassis ground of your car.
Using a wrench, loosen the nut that secures the negative battery terminal. Be careful not to touch the wrench to any metal parts of the car, as this could cause a spark and ignite the battery.
Once the nut is loose, remove the negative battery terminal from the battery. You should now be able to work on the power steering pump safely.

Tip: It’s a good idea to wear gloves when disconnecting the battery to avoid any electrical shocks.


Safety Precautions:
– Wear gloves when disconnecting the battery.
– Do not touch the wrench to any metal parts of the car.
– Be careful not to drop the battery when disconnecting or reconnecting it.

Locate the Power Steering Pump

Identifying the power steering pump is crucial before commencing its removal. Here’s a detailed guide to help you locate it accurately:

Open the hood: Pop the hood of your vehicle to gain access to the engine compartment.
Scan for the pump: Look for a cylindrical or oblong-shaped component typically mounted on the engine block or near the firewall.
Observe the hoses: Power steering pumps have high-pressure hoses connected to them. Trace the hoses to identify the pump.
Check for a belt: Many power steering pumps are driven by a serpentine belt. Follow the belt’s path to locate the pump it powers.

Using a Reference Manual

If you encounter difficulties locating the power steering pump visually, consult your vehicle’s reference manual or Haynes manual. These manuals provide detailed diagrams and instructions that will guide you to the exact location of the pump.

Common Locations

While the exact location may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, power steering pumps are typically found in the following areas:

Vehicle Type	Common Locations
Front-wheel drive	Front of the engine, near the accessory drive belt
Rear-wheel drive	Mounted on the engine block or firewall, passenger side
All-wheel drive	Near the front of the engine, passenger side

Remove the Drive Belt

The drive belt is typically located around the power steering pump pulley and other pulleys in the engine compartment. Refer to your vehicle’s service manual or online resources for the specific location and routing of the drive belt in your particular make and model. Here are the detailed steps to remove the drive belt:

1. Locate the Drive Belt Tensioner

Identify the drive belt tensioner, which is usually a spring-loaded or hydraulic device that maintains tension on the belt. It may be located near the power steering pump or another accessory on the engine.

2. Release the Drive Belt Tension

Using a suitable tool (such as a socket wrench or breaker bar), apply pressure to the tensioner to release the tension on the belt. This allows you to remove the belt from the pulleys.

3. Remove the Drive Belt from the Pulley

Once the tension is released, carefully lift the belt off the power steering pump pulley and any other pulleys it is looped around. In some cases, you may need to twist or pry the belt gently to remove it.

4. Inspect the Drive Belt

While the drive belt is off, inspect it for any signs of wear, damage, or excessive cracks. If the belt is damaged or worn, it should be replaced before proceeding with any further work.

5. Route the New Drive Belt (if necessary)

If you are replacing the drive belt, follow the original routing and ensure that it is properly aligned on all the pulleys. Refer to your vehicle’s service manual or an online diagram for the correct routing. Start by looping the belt around the power steering pump pulley and then around any other pulleys in the correct sequence.

Detach the Power Steering Lines

Once the pump is loose, you can start detaching the power steering lines. These lines are connected to the pump with high-pressure fittings, so it’s important to be careful when loosening them. Use a wrench to loosen the fittings, but don’t overtighten them, as this could damage the lines.

Power Steering Line Removal Table

Step	Description
1	Identify the pressure and return lines on the power steering pump.
2	Place a drain pan under the pump to catch any fluid that may leak out when the lines are disconnected.
3	Use a wrench to loosen the high-pressure line fitting at the pump. Slowly turn the fitting counterclockwise until it is loose enough to remove by hand.
4	Repeat step 3 for the return line fitting.
5	Once both lines are disconnected, cap the ports on the pump to prevent fluid leaks.

Once the lines are detached, you can remove the power steering pump from the vehicle. Be sure to place a drain pan underneath the pump to catch any remaining fluid.

Unbolt the Pump

Now that the power steering lines are disconnected, it’s time to unbolt the pump itself. This can be accomplished
by using a combination of wrenches and sockets.
Most power steering pumps are held in place by three or four bolts.
Once the bolts are loose, you can carefully remove the pump from the engine.

Removal in Detail

**Step 1: Locate the bolts.** The bolts that hold the power steering pump in place are typically located on the back
of the pump. They may be covered by a plastic cap or shield. Remove the cap or shield to expose the bolts.
**Step 2: Loosen the bolts.** Use a wrench or socket to loosen the bolts. Do not remove the bolts completely at this point.
**Step 3: Support the pump.** Once the bolts are loose, support the pump with one hand. This will prevent it from falling
when you remove the last bolt.
**Step 4: Remove the last bolt.** Use a wrench or socket to remove the last bolt. Be careful not to drop the bolt
into the engine compartment.
**Step 5: Remove the pump.** Once the last bolt is removed, you can carefully remove the pump from the engine.
Be careful not to damage the pump or any of the surrounding components.

Lift Out the Pump

Lifting out the power steering pump is the eighth and final step in the process of removing it. This step can be tricky, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully.

Slide the pry bar under the pump mounting bracket and gently pry upward. Use a back-and-forth motion to gradually loosen the pump from its mount.
Once the pump is loose, lift it out carefully. Be careful not to damage the pump or any of the attached hoses.
Set the pump aside in a clean, dry place. You can now proceed to remove the other components of the power steering system.

**Here are some additional tips for lifting out the power steering pump:**

Tip	Description
Use a pry bar that is specifically designed for removing automotive components. A standard pry bar may not be strong enough or may damage the pump or mounting bracket.
Be patient and take your time. Rushing the process can lead to mistakes that could damage the pump or other components.
If you encounter any resistance, stop and try again. You may need to adjust the position of the pry bar or use a different tool to loosen the pump.

Installation in Reverse Order

1. Remove the old power steering pump from the vehicle.

2. Clean the mounting surface of the new power steering pump.

3. Apply a thin bead of sealant to the mounting surface of the new power steering pump.

4. Install the new power steering pump on the vehicle.

5. Tighten the bolts that secure the power steering pump to the vehicle.

6. Connect the power steering hoses to the new power steering pump.

7. Tighten the bolts that secure the power steering hoses to the power steering pump.

8. Fill the power steering reservoir with power steering fluid.

9. Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to bleed the air from the power steering system.

9. Bleeding the Power Steering System

To bleed the air from the power steering system, follow these steps:

Start the vehicle and let it idle for a few minutes.
Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times, holding it at each lock for a few seconds.
Check the power steering fluid level and add fluid as needed.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until there are no more air bubbles in the power steering fluid.

Symptom	Cause	Solution
Power steering fluid leak	Damaged power steering hose or fitting	Replace the damaged hose or fitting.
Whining noise when turning the steering wheel	Low power steering fluid level	Check the power steering fluid level and add fluid as needed.
Hard steering	Worn power steering pump	Replace the power steering pump.

Bleed the System

Once the new power steering pump is installed, you need to bleed the system to remove any air that may have entered during the installation process. Here are the detailed steps on how to bleed the power steering system:

Fill the power steering reservoir with the recommended power steering fluid.
Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes.
Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and then all the way to the left.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 several times.
Check the power steering fluid level and add more fluid if necessary.
Turn off the engine and let the power steering fluid settle for a few minutes.
Start the engine and check for any leaks.
If there are no leaks, the power steering system is now bled and ready to use.
It’s important to note that bleeding the power steering system may take some time and patience. Be sure to follow the steps carefully and don’t rush the process.
If you experience any difficulties or have any questions, consult your vehicle’s service manual or a qualified mechanic.

How To Remove Power Steering Pump

Removing the power steering pump is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in about an hour. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
Locate the power steering pump. It is usually located on the front of the engine.
Disconnect the hoses from the pump. There are usually two hoses, one that goes to the steering rack and one that goes to the reservoir.
Unbolt the pump from the engine. There are usually two or three bolts that hold the pump in place.
Remove the pump from the engine compartment.