🔧 Power Steering Pump - Replacement

The power steering pump on your Equinox is belt-driven and supplies hydraulic pressure to the steering gear. Replacing it usually means removing the drive belt, disconnecting the pressure and return lines, then swapping the pump and bleeding the system afterward.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work with the engine off and fully cool before starting.
• Keep hands clear of the serpentine belt and pulleys.
• Use jack stands if you raise the vehicle; never rely on a jack alone.
• Hydraulic power steering fluid can be hot and under pressure; open lines slowly.
• Clean dirt from fittings before disconnecting lines to prevent pump or steering gear damage.
• Battery disconnect is not required, but it is a good idea if you are working near the starter cable or want extra safety.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Metric socket set
• Metric wrench set
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Serpentine belt tool or 15mm wrench
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Line wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Shop towels

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Power steering pump - Qty: 1
• Power steering pump mounting gasket or seal - Qty: 1
• Power steering pressure line seal - Qty: 1
• Power steering return hose clamp - Qty: 1
• Power steering fluid - Qty: 2 quarts
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely.
• Raise the front of the vehicle only if needed for access.
• Have a drain pan ready for fluid loss at the lines.
• Clean fittings before opening the system.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Relieve belt tension and remove the serpentine belt

• Use a serpentine belt tool or 15mm wrench on the belt tensioner.
• Rotate the tensioner to release belt tension, then slide the belt off the power steering pump pulley.
• Remove the belt from the engine bay and set it aside.

Step 2: Gain access to the pump

• If needed, raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and support it with jack stands.
• Remove any splash shield or access cover using the correct metric socket set and ratchet.
• Take a photo before disconnecting anything.

Step 3: Disconnect the power steering hoses

• Place a drain pan under the pump.
• Use a line wrench set to loosen the pressure line fitting.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver or metric wrench set to remove the return hose clamp, then pull the hose off the pump nipple.
• Cap or plug the lines to keep dirt out.

Step 4: Remove the pump from the bracket

• Use the metric socket set and ratchet to remove the pump mounting bolts.
• Support the pump with one hand while removing the last bolt.
• Remove the pump from the engine bay.
• Torque on installation: tighten mounting bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Transfer fittings if needed

• If the replacement pump does not include fittings, move the old hose fittings or brackets to the new pump using the metric wrench set.
• Install a new power steering pump mounting gasket or seal if equipped.
• Install a new power steering pressure line seal.

Step 6: Install the new pump

• Set the new pump in place and start all bolts by hand.
• Use the metric socket set and torque wrench to tighten the pump bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Reconnect the pressure line with the line wrench set and tighten securely to spec if available from the fitting style.
• Reattach the return hose and secure the clamp.

Step 7: Reinstall the serpentine belt

• Use the serpentine belt tool or 15mm wrench to rotate the tensioner again.
• Route the belt exactly as it was before.
• Make sure the belt sits fully in every pulley groove.

Step 8: Refill and bleed the system

• Fill the reservoir with the correct power steering fluid.
• With the front wheels off the ground, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times with the engine off.
• Check the fluid level and top off as needed.
• Start the engine and turn the wheel slowly left and right.
• Keep the reservoir from running low during bleeding.
• Do not hold the wheel at full lock.

Step 9: Check for leaks and reinstall covers

• Inspect the pump, hose connections, and fittings for leaks.
• Reinstall the splash shield or access cover using the metric socket set and ratchet.
• Lower the vehicle if it was raised.

---

✅ After Repair

• Test steering assist at idle and during a slow road test.
• Listen for whining, groaning, or belt squeal.
• Recheck fluid level after the test drive and top off if needed.
• Reinspect all hose connections for seepage.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$420 (parts only)

You Save: $520-$780 by doing it yourself!

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