A power steering pump is a vital piece of equipment in any car, truck, or SUV. If it fails, your vehicle will be difficult to maneuver and can even end up in a ditch. Changing a power steering pump shouldn’t be taken lightly, so here are five simple steps to follow if your pump needs replacing:
1. Drain the oil and coolant from the power steering system.
2. Remove the bolts that hold the pump cover on.
3. Remove the pump cover.
4. Remove the bolts that hold the impeller on the top of the pump.
5. Swap out the impeller
What are the symptoms of a power steering pump failure?
When is a power steering pump failure most likely to occur?
How can you diagnose a power steering pump failure?
What are the possible solutions for a power steering pump failure?
How do you replace a power steering pump?
How do you change a power steering pump?
The hydraulic power steering pump removes power from the engine to assist in turning the wheels. When it fails, the vehicle will experience a loss of steering control and may even lock up.
In order to change a power steering pump, you will need basic automotive tools and a few other supplies that may be specific to your vehicle. Before beginning, be sure to read your car’s owner’s manual to determine which type of pump needs to be replaced.
1. Disconnect the battery cable and remove the negative battery terminal. If your car has an airbag, disable it before doing any work.
2. Remove the front bumper cover by prying off the two tabs at the front edge of the cover. There are also two Torx screws located in the center of the cover near the fog lights. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove these screws.
3. Underneath the front bumper, use a flathead screwdriver to remove both clips that hold on the air intake tube assembly. There is also one clip located along side of each fog light unit. Carefully pull out both tubes as they will be hot and may cause damage if they are touched.
What tools do you need?
Power steering fluid is a highly viscous and thick liquid that needs to be changed regularly. If the power steering system fails, the fluid can cause severe damage to the system and even require a complete replacement. Here’s a list of the necessary tools for changing power steering fluid:
-A container that will hold at least 3 liters of fluid (a large jug will do)
-A funnel
-A bottle or can opener
-A quart or liter sized sealable bag
-Cotton swabs or clean rags
-New power steering fluid
-Handsaw or jigsaw blade with fine teeth, for cutting off the old sealant around the pump
How long will it take to change a power steering pump?
If you are experiencing a loss of power steering, it is important to take action as soon as possible. A power steering pump can fail quickly and cause a lot of trouble. Here are some tips on how to change a power steering pump:
1. Make sure you have the right tools and parts. You will need a wrench to remove the bolts that hold the pump in place, and possibly a sealant or grease to keep the new pump from making noise.
2. Disconnect the battery if possible. If you do not have access to the battery, you will need to use an alternator to provide power to the pump while you are working on it.
3. Remove the bolts that hold the pump in place. Be careful not to strip the threads on these bolts! Once the bolts are removed, pull the old pump off of the hoses and brackets.
4. Install the new pump by reversing these steps. Be sure to tighten all of the bolts before reinstalling the hoses and brackets.
5. Reconnect the battery if necessary, and test your power steering system by pushing and pulling on the wheel. If everything looks okay, you can
What should you do if the power steering pump fails after being changed?
If your power steering pump fails after being replaced, you should replace the entire system.