How to Replace a Power Steering

Although the power steering pumps are in many different positions on vehicles, the replacement procedure is the same. The power steering pump remains the same regardless of the type of steering whether it is a conventional or rack and pinion steering. Most power steering pump failures are due to a front shaft seal leak or from contaminated or the wrong fluid. The power steering fluid gets moisture contaminated over time and this reduces the lubrication properties. When the fluid has a brownish look it should be replaced.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Set of 3/8-inch drive sockets
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• Set of wrenches
• Power steering pulley remover
• Drip pan

1. Remove the accessory belt. Use the appropriate wrench or socket and ratchet, whichever fits, and place it on the belt tensioner and relieve the tension on the belt. Remove the belt from the power steering and leave the belt on the other pulleys.

2. Remove the high- and low-side hydraulic lines from the pump using the appropriate wrench. Put the drip pan under the pump to catch the lost fluid.

3. Remove the power steering pulley using the power steering pulley remover. To use the pulley remover, turn the large nut located on the shaft at least half way out and thread the shaft into the power steering pump shaft. Turn the large nut in toward the pump and insert the remover's side grips so that they are grabbing the nose of the power steering pump pulley. Place the securing ring over the side grips. The securing ring keeps the grips in place. Use a wrench to hold the shaft and a large wrench to turn the large nut. Turn the large nut counter clockwise and it will draw the pulley off its shaft.

4. Remove the power steering pump by using the 3/8-inch drive socket and ratchet to remove the bolts running through the pump into the mounting bracket.

5. Put the new pump on and tighten the bolts. Install the pulley with the pulley remover. Thread the remover tool into the power steering pump shaft. This time, do not use the side grips. The large nut is going to push the pulley on. Hold the shaft with a wrench and keep it from turning while the large nut is turned in clockwise to install the pulley.

6. Attach the high- and low-side hydraulic lines and tighten them with the appropriate wrench. Fill the pump with power steering fluid.

7. Put the accessory serpentine belt on by winding it around the pulleys. Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and right several times to flush the air out of the system. Add more power steering fluid as needed.

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