How to Replace a Power Steering Pump

The first step in replacing a power steering pump is to pop the hood and take the cap off of the power steering reservoir.  Use a fluid siphon to remove as much fluid as you can from the reservoir.  This step helps eliminate a mess of power steering fluid.  Power steering fluid is very slippery and makes it hard to work if you have it on your hands, on tools, or on parts you are working with.  The next step is to remove the serpentine belt, then use a “power steering pump pulley puller” to remove the pulley from the power steering pump.  The pulley must be removed from the pump first so you can get the bolts that hold the power steering pump to the bracket.  Once the pulley is off the pump the next step is to remove the high pressure line and the return line from the pump.  The high pressure line is a steel line with a nut that threads into the pump and the other end of the line threads into the steering box.  Once the lines are removed take the bolts out of the pump and remove it from the vehicle.  Then install the new pump.  Tighten all the bolts and put the high side pressure hose and return line back on.  Press the pulley back on the pump, install the serpentine belt, and fill the reservoir with power steering fluid.  Then start the vehicle and turn the wheel all the way to one side, and then all the way to the other side.  When doing this the pump may whine because it is bleeding the air from the pump.  Add fluid as necessary and continue turning the wheel until the pump is quiet and smooth.  When done check the fluid level and top off as necessary.