🔧 Kicks - Power Steering Pump Replacement

Your Kicks uses Electric Power Steering (EPS), which means there is no hydraulic power steering pump, no belt-driven pump, and no power steering fluid to replace. If you’re having steering issues, the repair is usually related to the EPS rack/motor, wiring, or an EPS control fault—not a pump.

Difficulty Level: Beginner (verification) / Advanced (EPS rack replacement) | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours (verification) / 4-7 hours (rack replacement)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal before unplugging EPS connectors.
• ⚠️ Keep the front wheels on the ground unless safely supported with jack stands.
• ⚠️ Do not turn the steering with electrical connectors unplugged unless instructed.
• ⚠️ If the steering feels stiff while driving, reduce speed and pull over safely.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flashlight
• 10mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Trim clip removal tool
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• OBD2 scan tool with Nissan EPS capability (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• EPS steering gear/rack assembly - Qty: 1
• Steering gear mounting hardware - Qty: 1 set
• Inner/outer tie rod end components - Qty: 2 (Replace in pairs)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Center the steering wheel and keep it centered.
• Disconnect the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative terminal and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
• EPS has no fluid reservoir to check.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm the system type (EPS vs hydraulic)

• Open the hood and use a flashlight to look for a power steering fluid reservoir (a small tank with “PS” markings).
• On your Kicks you should find no reservoir and no pump driven by a belt—this confirms EPS.

Step 2: Check for EPS warning signs

• Turn the ignition ON and look for an EPS/steering warning light on the dash.
• If the steering is heavy only sometimes, note when it happens (cold start, turning at parking lot speeds, after hitting bumps).

Step 3: Pull EPS fault codes (best next step)

• Plug in an OBD2 scan tool with Nissan EPS capability (specialty).
• Read codes from the EPS/steering system and write them down exactly.
• Generic scanners may miss EPS codes.

Step 4: Quick wiring/connector check (no disassembly)

• With the battery disconnected, use a flashlight to inspect visible steering/EPS connectors for damage or corrosion.
• If you remove any undertray/trim clips for access, use a trim clip removal tool to avoid breaking them.

Step 5: Decide the correct “replacement” part

• If your issue is a steering warning light + codes pointing to the steering gear, the typical replacement is the EPS steering rack/gear assembly.
• If you want, I can give you the full rack replacement procedure, but I need one detail first (see question below).

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✅ After Repair

• Clear EPS codes using the OBD2 scan tool with Nissan EPS capability (specialty) after any repair.
• Test drive in a safe area: low-speed turns both directions, then normal speeds.
• If a steering rack or tie rods are replaced, get a 4-wheel alignment immediately.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$2,200 (diagnosis + steering gear/rack if needed)

DIY Cost: $450-$1,200 (parts only, if rack replacement is needed)

You Save: $450-$1,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-7 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

Quick question so I guide you correctly (pick one): Are you trying to fix heavy steering, an EPS warning light, or a clunk/popping noise while turning? If you can share any EPS codes you pulled, I’ll map the exact next steps for your Kicks.

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.