How To Replace A Toyota Power Steering Pump

The power steering pump on your Toyota vehicle makes driving much easier. It contributes to a smoother ride and makes it easy to maneuver your vehicle. Yet, when your power steering goes out, turning the steering wheel becomes considerably more difficult.

Fortunately, changing a power steering pump isn't that difficult. In this post, we'll show you how to do it, tell you the tools you need, and offer some tips to make the job easier.

Tools Needed To Change A Toyota Power Steering Pump

Image Credit: PeterFinnTheCarDoctor

In addition to the power steering pump for your Toyota car or truck, you'll need the following tools:

  1. Jack and jack stands
  2. Wrench set and screwdrivers
  3. Power steering pump pulley puller
  4. Drain pan
  5. Power steering fluid
  6. Torque wrench

Preparing Your Vehicle

The first step is to park your Toyota on a level surface, preferably off the street, in a driveway or garage. Make sure to wear neoprene gloves and protective goggles to prevent any hazards.

Let the engine cool before working on it. Once you're ready to start, disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical mishaps during the job.

Steps To Replacing The Power Steering Pump

Image Credit: PeterFinnTheCarDoctor

  1. First, locate the power steering pump. The pump is typically located at the front of the engine or on the side with the serpentine belt. When in doubt, refer to your Toyota manual for the exact location. (You can find free, downloadable owners manuals here.)

  2. Remove the serpentine belt using a wrench to loosen the belt tensioner and slide the belt off the power steering pump pulley.

  3. Drain the power steering fluid. Place a drain pan beneath the power steering pump, and use a wrench to disconnect the fluid lines. Allow the fluid to drain completely. Then, dispose of the old fluid in a safe container.

  4. Remove the pump pulley using a power steering pump pulley puller to remove it from the pump shaft.

  5. Detach the pump by loosening and removing the bolts securing it to the engine. Then, remove it from the engine bay.

  6. Install the new pump and secure it with the bolts. (Learn why OEM pumps are the best choice here.) Make sure it's properly aligned, and the bolts are torqued to the correct specifications. 

  7. Reattach the pump pulley using the pulley puller to reinstall it onto the new pump's shaft.

  8. Reconnect the fluid lines to the new pump and tighten them securely.

  9. Reinstall the serpentine belt by placing it back onto the power steering pump pulley.

  10. Refill the power steering reservoir with the recommended fluid. Then, reattach the battery, start the engine, and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and right to bleed air from the system.

  11. Check for leaks by inspecting the connections and the pump. Tighten any loose connections as needed.

Olathe Toyota Parts Center Has Genuine OEM Power Steering Pumps

If you need a power steering pump for your Toyota car, truck, or SUV, the Olathe Toyota Parts Center has you covered. We only carry genuine OEM Toyota parts backed by the standard Toyota 12-month, unlimited miles warranty.

We also have a number of free resources like a Toyota VIN decoder that will help you find the right parts and we can help you troubleshoot problems by providing diagnostic info for common Toyota trouble codes here.

If you have questions about your Toyota's power steering or want more info, please contact us!