🔧 Power Steering Pump - Not Equipped

Your Equinox does not use a hydraulic power steering pump. It uses an electric power steering system, so there is no pump, fluid, belt, or hydraulic lines to replace. If you have a steering assist problem, the repair usually involves the steering gear, torque sensor, wiring, or the power steering control system.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before working on the steering gear or steering column connectors.
• The steering system is electronically controlled. Do not force the wheel if assist is lost.
• Keep the front wheels pointed straight ahead before disconnecting any steering components.
• After repair, a scan tool may be needed to clear codes and perform steering angle relearn procedures.
• If the vehicle has been raised, support it securely with jack stands before working underneath.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Ratchet
• Extensions
• Breaker bar
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Trim panel tool
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Scan tool (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Electric power steering gear assembly - Qty: 1
• Intermediate steering shaft pinch bolt - Qty: 1
• Steering gear mounting bolts - Qty: 3
• Front subframe hardware - Qty: 1 set
• Steering gear electrical connector seal - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Center the steering wheel and keep the front wheels straight.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key or keep the fob away from the vehicle.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging steering system connectors.
• Take a photo of bolt locations first.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect battery power

• Use a 10mm wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Isolate the cable so it cannot touch the battery terminal.

Step 2: Raise and support the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of the Equinox.
• Place jack stands under the proper support points.
• Remove the front wheels if needed for access using an 18mm socket.

Step 3: Remove lower splash shields

• Use a flat blade screwdriver and trim panel tool to remove fasteners from the underbody shields.
• Set the shields aside in order.

Step 4: Disconnect the steering shaft from the gear

• Use an 18mm socket to remove the intermediate steering shaft pinch bolt.
• Separate the shaft from the steering gear input shaft.
• Mark the shaft position first.

Step 5: Disconnect electrical connectors

• Unplug the power steering gear electrical connector and any related harness retainers.
• Inspect the connector seal for damage before reassembly.

Step 6: Support the subframe and remove steering gear bolts

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) with a suitable support pad under the subframe.
• Use a 15mm socket and 18mm socket to remove the steering gear mounting bolts.
• Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.

Step 7: Install the new steering gear

• Position the new electric power steering gear into place.
• Install the mounting bolts finger-tight first.
• Torque the steering gear mounting bolts to 110 Nm (81 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the steering shaft

• Align the shaft to the input shaft.
• Install a new pinch bolt using an 18mm socket.
• Torque the pinch bolt to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reconnect wiring and reassemble

• Reconnect all electrical connectors and retainers.
• Reinstall the splash shields using a trim panel tool and flat blade screwdriver.
• Reinstall the wheels and torque the lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs) using a torque wrench.

Step 10: Restore power and relearn the system

• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm wrench.
• Use a scan tool (specialty) to clear power steering codes and perform any steering angle relearn.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and verify the steering assist warning light stays off.
• Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock and listen for abnormal noise.
• Road test at low speed first to confirm normal assist and straight-line steering.
• Recheck for stored codes with a scan tool after the test drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,600 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$800 (parts only)

You Save: $550-$800 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 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.