If you’re like many drivers, your power steering pump is one of your most important car systems. But, like all other car systems, it’s subject to wear and tear. And if it goes bad, you’ll likely experience a lot of pain as the steering wheel becomes increasingly difficult to control. In this article, we’ll explain how to purge power steering pump fluid and replace it.
Identification of the Issue
If you are experiencing difficulties with your power steering pump, it is important to identify the issue as soon as possible. By doing so, you can save yourself time and potential headaches.
One of the first things you should do is to inspect the power steering fluid level. If it is low or below the MIN line, this could be a sign that the pump is not working properly. Additionally, if the fluid has an odor or seems thick, this could also be an indication of a problem. If either of these conditions are present, it is important to take action right away.
Next, you should try turning the engine off and on several times in order to see if the problem occurs only when the car is turned off or when it’s running. If the problem only appears when the car is turned off, then there may be a problem with the electrical system. If turning on the engine does not fix the issue, then it may be necessary to replace your power steering pump.
Inspection of the Pump
Purging the power steering pump should be an annual event. The pump is a self-priming device and will not operate without hydraulic pressure. When it fails, the hydraulic pressure can be very low and difficult to restore. Here are some steps to take in order to inspect the pump:
1. Check for leaks – If there are any suspected leaks in the system, address them before proceeding any further. Leaks can allow contaminants into the system and affect its ability to function properly.
2. Check for debris – Inspect the pump for any obstructions or debris that may have lodged within its impeller or housing. Cleaning this debris can improve the overall performance of the pump.
3. Check for corrosion – Corrosion can occur on both metal and plastic components, so it important to check all areas where fluid might come into contact with the apparatus. If corrosion is found, it may be necessary to replace parts of the pump in order to restore proper function.
4. Check for blockages – If there are any blockages within the system, removing them may improve pump performance.
Removal and Replacement of the Pump
If you’re experiencing a loss in power steering fluid pressure, the first thing you should do is to remove the power steering pump from the vehicle. If the pump is not removable and cannot be accessed from the front, then you’ll need to remove the transmission.
1. Park your car on a level surface.
2. Turn off all of the engine’s switches, including the ignition switch.
3. Disconnect both battery cables.
4. Remove the engine hood and turn the key off.
5. Use a wrench to remove the bolts that secure the power steering reservoir to the engine block (four bolts in front and two bolts in back). There is also a cap that covers part of the reservoir; remove it with a wrench if present (see fig A).
6. Grapple up onto the power steering hose clamp and unscrew it (see fig B). Rotate it so that it points away from the vehicle and let go of it.
7. Disconnect both hoses from the pump (one per side) by undoing their clamps (see fig C).
8. Carefully lift out the pump, being sure not to damage any of its components (see
Verification and Reinstallation of the Power Steering Pump
There are a few things that you will need to do before you can verify and reinstall your power steering pump. These include verifying that the pump is actually failed, checking for worn parts, and verifying flow rate. If the power steering pump is failed, you will need to replace it. If the pump is not failing, but there are some worn parts, you may be able to replace them without replacing the entire pump. Flow rate can be verified by measuring the pressure drop across the filter while turning the steering wheel both ways.