🔧 CR-V - Power Steering Pump Replacement

Replacing the power steering pump fixes whining, hard steering, or fluid leaks coming from the pump area. On your CR-V, the pump is belt-driven and has a high-pressure line (banjo bolt) plus a low-pressure inlet hose.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine; the exhaust and fluid can burn you.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands if you lift it; never rely on a jack.
• ⚠️ Keep power steering fluid off the serpentine belt and pulleys (it can cause slipping).
• ⚠️ Do not use ATF; use Honda-approved power steering fluid only.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is recommended to prevent accidental cranking while hands are near the belt.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 2-quart)
• Shop rags
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension set
• Torque wrench (10–80 ft-lbs range)
• 10mm wrench
• 12mm wrench
• 14mm wrench
• Hose clamp pliers
• Line wrench set
• Trim clip tool
• Funnel
• Pulley puller/installer set (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Power steering pump - Qty: 1
• Power steering pressure line crush washers - Qty: 2
• Power steering pump inlet O-ring - Qty: 1
• Honda-approved power steering fluid - Qty: 2 quarts
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1 Optional if belt is cracked

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Place a drain pan under the pump area to catch fluid.
• If you raise the front for easier access, use a floor jack and support with jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove any covers for access

• If equipped, remove the upper plastic covers or air ducting near the pump using a trim clip tool and 10mm socket.
• Lay shop rags under the pump to protect other components from fluid drips.

Step 2: Drain the power steering reservoir (basic drain)

• Remove the reservoir cap by hand.
• Use hose clamp pliers to slide the return-hose clamp back, then pull the return hose off the reservoir nipple.
• Point the hose into a drain pan and let it drain. Use shop rags to catch spills.
• Reinstall the return hose temporarily to keep dripping under control.

Step 3: Release belt tension and remove the belt from the pump pulley

• Locate the serpentine belt tensioner.
• Use a 14mm wrench (or 14mm socket and ratchet) on the tensioner hex and rotate to relieve tension.
• Slide the belt off the power steering pump pulley.
• Tip: Snap a quick photo of belt routing.

Step 4: Disconnect the low-pressure inlet hose at the pump

• Use hose clamp pliers to move the clamp back.
• Twist and pull the hose off the pump inlet. Catch fluid in the drain pan.
• Inspect/replace the pump inlet O-ring (a rubber sealing ring that prevents leaks) as part of reassembly.

Step 5: Disconnect the high-pressure line (banjo fitting) from the pump

• Place shop rags under the fitting.
• Use a line wrench or the correct socket to remove the banjo bolt at the pump.
• Remove and discard the two old crush washers (one on each side of the banjo fitting).

Step 6: Unbolt and remove the power steering pump

• Remove the pump mounting bolts using a 12mm socket and ratchet.
• Lift the pump out carefully and keep it upright to avoid extra spilling.

Step 7: Pulley transfer (only if your new pump does not include a pulley)

• Use a pulley puller/installer set (specialty) (a tool that presses/pulls the pulley on/off without damage) to remove the pulley from the old pump.
• Use the same pulley puller/installer set (specialty) to press the pulley onto the new pump.
• Make sure the pulley sits flush/aligned like the original so the belt tracks correctly.

Step 8: Install the new pump

• Set the new pump into place.
• Install the mounting bolts by hand first, then tighten using a 12mm socket and torque wrench.
• Torque to 22 N·m (16 ft-lbs) for the pump mounting bolts.

Step 9: Reconnect the high-pressure banjo fitting with new crush washers

• Install the banjo bolt with new crush washers: one washer between bolt head and fitting, one washer between fitting and pump.
• Tighten using the correct socket and then a torque wrench.
• Torque to 34 N·m (25 ft-lbs) for the banjo bolt.

Step 10: Reconnect the low-pressure inlet hose with a new O-ring

• Install the new inlet O-ring on the pump inlet (lightly wet it with fresh power steering fluid).
• Push the hose fully onto the inlet, then position the clamp using hose clamp pliers.

Step 11: Reinstall the serpentine belt

• Route the belt correctly.
• Rotate the tensioner using a 14mm wrench and slip the belt onto the power steering pulley.
• Visually confirm the belt is centered in every pulley groove.

Step 12: Refill and bleed the power steering system

• Fill the reservoir with Honda-approved power steering fluid using a funnel to the MAX line.
• With the engine OFF, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock-to-lock 10–15 times (don’t hold it hard against the stop).
• Check fluid level and top off as needed.
• Reconnect the battery using a 10mm socket.
• Start the engine and let it idle; keep the cap off and watch for bubbles/foam.
• Turn lock-to-lock a few more times, then recheck and set level to the correct mark.
• Tip: Foamy fluid means air still inside.

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✅ After Repair

• With the engine running, check carefully for leaks at the inlet hose and the banjo bolt area.
• Road test at low speed first. Steering should be smooth and quiet.
• Recheck the reservoir level after the test drive and again the next morning.
• If the belt squeals, recheck for fluid on the belt and confirm pulley alignment.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$400 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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