2016-2020 INFINITI QX60 Power Steering Pump Replacement? Fix Heavy Steering with EPS Rack Repair
Learn why the QX60 has electric power steering (no pump) and how to diagnose/replace the EPS rack with tools, parts, and calibration steps
2016-2020 INFINITI QX60 Power Steering Pump Replacement? Fix Heavy Steering with EPS Rack Repair
Learn why the QX60 has electric power steering (no pump) and how to diagnose/replace the EPS rack with tools, parts, and calibration steps for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
🔧 QX60 - Power Steering Pump Replacement (Not Equipped: Electric Power Steering)
Your QX60 uses electric power steering (EPS), which means there is no belt-driven power steering pump and no power steering fluid reservoir to replace like older hydraulic systems.
If you’re having heavy steering, noise, or a warning light, the repair is usually in the EPS rack/gear (electric assist unit), wiring, or power/ground supply—not a pump.
Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery terminal before unplugging EPS connectors to prevent module damage.
- ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands; never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- ⚠️ Keep the steering wheel centered; do not let it spin freely with the rack disconnected.
- ⚠️ If your QX60 has driver-assist features, steering angle calibration may be required after repairs.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
- Torque wrench (1/2")
- Breaker bar (1/2")
- Socket set (10mm-22mm, 1/2" drive)
- Socket set (8mm-14mm, 3/8" drive)
- Wrench set (10mm-22mm)
- Trim clip tool
- Pry bar (24")
- Paint marker
- Scan tool with EPS support (specialty)
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Electric power steering rack/gear assembly - Qty: 1
- Steering rack mounting bolts - Qty: 1 set
- Front subframe fasteners (as required) - Qty: 1 set
- Outer tie rod ends (as required) - Replace in pairs recommended - Qty: 2
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, straighten the front wheels, and set the parking brake.
- Use a paint marker to mark the steering wheel “straight” position.
- Disconnect the battery using a 10mm socket (negative terminal first).
- Plan for a professional alignment after.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Raise the front and remove the splash shields
- Lift the front with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) and support with jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
- Remove the lower engine splash shield/undercover using a trim clip tool and socket set (8mm-14mm, 3/8" drive).
Step 2: Disconnect the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles
- Remove the tie rod end nut with a socket set (10mm-22mm, 1/2" drive).
- Separate the joint (pop it free) using a pry bar (24") with controlled pressure.
- Do not hammer on the steering knuckle.
Step 3: Disconnect EPS electrical connectors
- Locate the EPS rack electrical connectors and unclip them.
- Disconnect using a trim clip tool if needed for locks/tabs.
- Secure the harness out of the way so it can’t snag.
Step 4: Disconnect the steering intermediate shaft from the rack
- Find the intermediate shaft pinch bolt at the rack input.
- Use a socket set (8mm-14mm, 3/8" drive) to remove the pinch bolt.
- Slide the shaft off the rack input carefully.
- Keep the steering wheel from rotating.
Step 5: Remove the rack mounting bolts and lower the rack
- Support the rack lightly with a floor jack.
- Remove rack mounting bolts using a breaker bar (1/2") and socket set (10mm-22mm, 1/2" drive).
- Lower and maneuver the rack out through the subframe opening.
- Tighten new hardware during install to Torque to OEM specification (refer to Infiniti service manual values).
Step 6: Install the new EPS rack and reconnect everything
- Position the new rack and start mounting bolts by hand using the correct socket.
- Reconnect the intermediate shaft and install the pinch bolt using a ratchet (3/8") and correct socket, then Torque to OEM specification (refer to Infiniti service manual values).
- Reconnect EPS electrical connectors firmly until they click.
- Reconnect tie rod ends and tighten to Torque to OEM specification (refer to Infiniti service manual values).
Step 7: Reinstall undercovers and reconnect the battery
- Reinstall splash shields using a socket set (8mm-14mm, 3/8" drive) and trim clip tool.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket.
✅ After Repair
- Use a scan tool with EPS support (specialty) to check and clear EPS codes.
- Perform any required steering angle / EPS calibration: Scan Tool > EPS > Calibration (wording varies by tool).
- Start the engine and verify steering assist feels normal with no EPS warning light.
- Get a professional alignment immediately.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $1,500-$3,000 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $700-$1,800 (parts only)
You Save: $800-$1,200 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-6 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.
Guide for Anti-Seize Compound replace for these INFINITI vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 INFINITI QX60 | - | - | - |
| 2019 INFINITI QX60 | - | - | - |
| 2018 INFINITI QX60 | - | - | - |
| 2017 INFINITI QX60 | - | - | - |
| 2016 INFINITI QX60 | - | - | - |


















