You’re all set for a busy day—drop the kids at school, head to work, and run errands. But as you approach your car, your kid points out a puddle underneath. “Dad, look! There’s water!” But it’s not water; it’s power steering fluid.
Suddenly, your steering feels stiff, and you hear a whining noise whenever you turn. Your power steering pump is failing. You think, “Do I need to spend over $200 at a shop?” The good news? You don’t have to.
Replacing a power steering pump yourself can cost less than $50. It’s not as hard as it seems; we’ll guide you through it step-by-step. Let’s find out how to replace the power steering pump and save on the power steering pump replacement cost.
Please keep reading to learn how to replace your power steering pump, what tools you need, and how to do it safely.
Why Replace the Power Steering Pump
Many car owners will eventually have to replace a power steering pump. The pump can start leaking, make noise, or stop working. This usually happens because the seals wear out or the pump breaks down.
The pump is essential for easy steering; turning your wheel can feel heavy and unsafe if it fails. When you notice issues, you should replace a faulty power steering pump.
The problem is usually due to fluid leakage, and changing the power steering pump is better than rebuilding it. Experts suggest treating the pump as a replaceable part because rebuilding can be tricky and often doesn’t last as long.
When changing the power steering pump, replacing it ensures your steering system stays reliable.
Step 1: Drain the Power Steering System
The first thing to do when replacing the power steering pump is to drain out the old fluid. This gets rid of any dirt and makes the new pump work better.
Flush the System: Start by flushing out the old fluid. This will clear the system of debris and old fluid.
Drain the Fluid: Put a drain pan under the pump and disconnect the hoses to let the fluid drain out completely.
These steps are essential when replacing a power steering pump to ensure the system is clean and ready for the new part.
Step 2: Remove the Old Pump and Accessories
The aim of this procedure is to remove the compiled equipment that may be held or attached to the old pump.
Remove the Cable to Avoid Electric Shock: You may first loosen the connecting lead for the negative earth cable as a way of preventing any electric trouble.
Remove the Power Steering Belt: You will remove the belt which is held by the pump.
Disconnect Hoses: Remove the overpressure hose and the return hydraulic hose from the power steering pump.
Check for Extra Connections: A few other sensors or connectors may be present at the power steering pump of certain automobiles.
The stage for further replacing the power steering pump is set by disconnecting the old pump which is the first step towards undertaking the replacement.
Step 3: Remove the Pulley and Bolts
Disconnecting the pully and screws are as important as other disassembly of any car part. This is where the correct tools help.
Use a Pulley Puller: Screw the puller tool on the mounted pulley and gently pull the pulley. Something like the proper tools should be used or else the chances of ruining the pulley are very high.
Remove Bolts: After the pulley has been removed, remove the nut that secures the pump in position.
It is very important to remove the pulley or the bolts in the right way when replacing the power steering pump to repair without damaging yourself and in the easiest possible manner.
Step 4: Install the New Power Steering Pump
With the old pump out, it’s time to put in the new one. Installing a new power steering pump is straightforward but requires careful attention.
Position the New Pump: Place the new pump into the bracket and tighten the bolts securely.
Attach the Pressure Hose: Connect the pressure hose to the new pump. Don’t attach the return hose until you’ve flushed the system.
Setting up the new pump correctly ensures it will work properly and last a long time.
Step 5: Press the Pulley onto the Pump
Reattaching the pulley is a critical step. The pulley controls how the pump works, so it needs to be done right.
Attach the Pulley: Use the pulley press to put the pulley back on the pump. Grease the pump hub and the pulley for smoother operation.
Ensure Proper Alignment: Make sure the pulley lines up perfectly with the other pulleys on the car.
Aligning the pulley correctly when replacing the power steering pump prevents belt problems and noise.
Step 6: Align the Pulley and Attach the Belts
Getting the pulleys lined up correctly is vital for the system to work smoothly. Misalignment can cause belt issues.
Use an Alignment Tool: A straight edge, like a wooden stick or metal bar, helps align the power steering pulley with the engine’s crankshaft pulley.
Reattach the Belts: Put the belts back on once the pulley is correctly aligned.
Proper alignment is crucial in replacing the power steering pump, as it ensures the belts run smoothly without causing wear.
Step 7: Flush and Fill the System
Now that the new pump is installed, it’s time to flush the system with fresh fluid.
Flush the System: Pour at least one quart of fresh fluid through the pump to clear out any remaining dirt.
Attach the Return Hose: Connect the return hose once flushing is complete.
Fill the Reservoir: Top off the power steering fluid reservoir with fresh fluid.
Flushing and filling the system properly ensures that your new pump functions efficiently.
Step 8: Final Cleanup and Check
After you’ve replaced the power steering pump, make sure to clean up and check everything works properly.
Check for Leaks: Start the engine and turn the wheel to make sure there are no leaks.
Dispose of Old Fluid: Don’t pour used power steering fluid down the drain. Take it to a recycling center.
A good cleanup and final check confirm that your power steering pump replacement was a success.
Did You Know?
- Power steering pumps help steer easier by using hydraulic pressure.
- Replacing the pump yourself can cut repair costs by more than half.
- Using the right fluid is key; the wrong one can damage your pump.
Final Thoughts
Replacing a power steering pump ensures your car stays safe and easy to handle, especially when faced with issues like fluid leaks, whining noises, or steering stiffness. Knowing how to replace power steering pump is crucial because addressing the problem early can prevent bigger, more costly repairs in the future.
When you replace a power steering pump at the first sign of trouble, you’re taking a proactive step in maintaining your vehicle’s overall performance. Understanding how to replace power steering pump not only helps in maintaining smooth steering but also extends the life of other steering components, saving you money and hassle over time.
FAQs
Power steering pump replacement cost varies but typically ranges from $50 (DIY) to over $200 at a shop.
Driving with a leaking pump is risky; it can make steering hard and unsafe. Replace the power steering pump immediately.
Always check your car’s manual. Some vehicles need specific power steering fluid, while others may use ATF.
Yes, aligning the pulley is essential to prevent noise and belt issues.
It usually takes around 4 hours, depending on your tools and experience
