🔧 Power Steering Pump - Replacement

This job removes the belt-driven power steering pump, transfers any needed pulleys or brackets, and installs a new pump with fresh fluid. On your Equinox, expect a messy fluid drain and careful belt routing during reassembly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work with the engine off and cool. Power steering fluid can be hot and slippery.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before working near the belt drive or starter area.
• Use jack stands on solid ground. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Keep fluid off the serpentine belt, pulleys, and alternator. Contamination can damage components.
• If your pump uses an electric connector or pressure sensor, unplug it before removal.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Metric socket set
• Metric wrench set
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Serpentine belt tool (specialty)
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Shop towels
• Funnel
• Pliers
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Power steering pump - Qty: 1
• Power steering fluid - Qty: 2 quarts
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1
• Power steering pump gasket or seal kit - Qty: 1
• Replacement hose clamps - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully before starting.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable and isolate it so it cannot touch the terminal.
• If the belt routing sticker is missing, take a clear photo of the belt path before removing it.
• Raise the front of the vehicle and support it with jack stands if you need access from below.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove splash shield and gain access

• Use the correct metric socket or wrench to remove any lower splash shield or access cover blocking the belt drive area.
• Set the fasteners aside in order so they go back in the same locations.
• Take a photo before removing anything.

Step 2: Remove the serpentine belt

• Use a serpentine belt tool (specialty) or breaker bar to rotate the belt tensioner.
• Slip the belt off the power steering pump pulley, then slowly release the tensioner.
• Inspect the belt for cracks, glazing, or fraying. Replace it if worn.

Step 3: Drain the power steering fluid

• Place a drain pan under the pump and hose connections.
• Use pliers or the proper wrench to loosen the return hose clamp and remove the hose.
• Allow the fluid to drain fully. Cap or plug the hose ends to keep dirt out.

Step 4: Disconnect pump lines and electrical connectors

• Use the correct metric wrench to disconnect the pressure line fitting from the pump.
• If equipped, unplug any electrical connector or sensor from the pump.
• Keep a shop towel under the fitting to catch leftover fluid.

Step 5: Remove the pump mounting bolts

• Use the correct metric socket and ratchet to remove the power steering pump mounting bolts.
• Support the pump with one hand while removing the last bolt.
• Remove the pump from the engine bay.

Step 6: Transfer any brackets or pulley if needed

• If the replacement pump does not include the same bracket or pulley, transfer them from the old unit.
• Use the proper socket, wrench, or pulley tool if a pulley swap is required.
• Do not hammer on the pulley.

Step 7: Install the new pump

• Position the new pump in place and start all mounting bolts by hand.
• Use a metric socket and torque wrench to tighten the mounting bolts.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) unless the replacement pump instructions specify otherwise.

Step 8: Reconnect hoses and connectors

• Reconnect the pressure line using the proper metric wrench.
• Install the return hose and secure it with a new clamp if needed.
• Reconnect any electrical connector until it clicks in place.

Step 9: Reinstall the serpentine belt

• Use the serpentine belt tool (specialty) to rotate the tensioner again.
• Route the belt correctly over every pulley and make sure it sits fully in the grooves.
• Double-check the belt path before releasing the tensioner.

Step 10: Fill and bleed the power steering system

• Use a funnel to fill the reservoir with the correct power steering fluid.
• With the front wheels still off the ground, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 10-15 times with the engine off.
• Start the engine and continue turning the wheel slowly left and right a few times.
• Top off the fluid as the level drops. Do not let the reservoir run dry.
• Torque to 8-12 Nm (71-106 in-lbs) for hose clamps or fittings only if your replacement hardware specifies a torque value.

Step 11: Reinstall covers and inspect for leaks

• Reinstall the splash shield and any access covers using the proper metric socket or wrench.
• Lower the vehicle and inspect all hose connections, the pump body, and the belt path for leaks or misalignment.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and listen for whining, squealing, or grinding noises.
• Turn the wheel fully left and right several times to finish bleeding the system.
• Recheck the fluid level after a short test drive and top off if needed.
• Inspect again for leaks around the pump, pressure fitting, and return hose.
• If the belt squeals, recheck routing and tensioner operation.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$950 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $330-$630 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.