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Home Blog Power Steering Pump Buyer's Guide

Power Steering Pump Buyer's Guide

Power steering makes turning the wheels of your car much easier. Not only does it contribute to a smoother drive, but it makes it easy to maneuver your vehicle through tight spots at low speeds, without having to fight with your steering wheel. When your power steering goes out, turning the wheel feels all but impossible and safety is compromised.

If you think you've got a problem with your power steering pump, this buyer's guide will help. In it, we'll cover everything you need to know about your power steering pump, how it works, and what to do if yours needs replacing.

What Does A Power Steering Pump Do, And Why Is It Important?

At its core, a power steering pump is a mechanical device designed to assist the driver by minimizing the effort needed to turn the steering wheel. If you've ever driven a car without power steering, you're familar with how stiff manual steering can be. The pump is an integral part of power steering systems, which have become standard in modern vehicles. Without a power steering pump, turning the steering wheel would be a physically demanding task, especially in larger vehicles.

Signs Of A Failing Power Steering Pump

As a power steering pump begins to go bad, you will experience symptoms indicating something isn't quite right. The symptoms can vary (you can find more specifics here) but they often include: 

  • Whining or groaning noises when you turn the steering wheel  
  • Difficulty turning the wheel or uneven steering feel
  • Fluid leaks around the power steering pump or on the ground below it

Eventually, the power steering pump will wear out and fail. When this happens, you'll experience one or more of the following problems:

  • A complete loss of power steering
  • The accessory belt makes a loud squealing noise
  • The power steering pump gives off a burning smell

Differences Between OEM And Aftermarket Power Steering Pumps

You may wonder if there is any difference between OEM and aftermarket power steering pumps. While the aftermarket pump may be cheaper to buy, OEM Toyota power steering pumps provide a better value due to their quality and durability, which will save you money in the long run. We explain how in more detail here.

Additionally, OEM Toyota power steering pumps provide the following benefits over their aftermarket equivalents:

  • OEM pumps are engineered to fit your specific Toyota vehicle. This makes them easier to install and helps them perform better.
  • OEM pumps are made from better-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure they meet Toyota's standards.
  • OEM pumps include a Toyota manufacturer's warranty, which covers them for 12 months and unlimited mileage.

Replacing A Power Steering Pump

Image Credit: PeterFinnTheCarDoctor

Replacing a power steering pump in your Toyota is something you can do yourself. It requires a bit of mechanical knowledge, but can be easily done at home with a proper tutorial and a few basic tools. (You can find our tutorial here.) In addition to some basic tools, you'll want to have your replacement power steering pump ready to install. We have a large selection of Toyota power steering pumps ready to ship, below you'll find several of our most popular:

Once you've gathered the right tools and parts, be sure you ensure a safe working environment. Wear goggles and gloves, park your vehicle on a flat surface, and be sure to disconnect the battery before beginning any work. 

Genuine OEM Power Steering Pumps From Olathe Toyota Parts Center

If you need a power steering pump for your Toyota car, truck, or SUV, trust Olathe Toyota Parts Center. All of our parts are genuine OEM equipment and are backed by the standard Toyota 12-month, unlimited miles warranty.

We also have a number of free online resources to help you maintain your Toyota. We offer Toyota engine guides, a free online Toyota VIN decoder and can even help troubleshoot problems by providing diagnostic info for common Toyota trouble codes.

If you have questions about your Toyota's power steering or would like more info, feel free to contact us!