🔧 Grand Cherokee - Power Steering Pump Replacement

Your Grand Cherokee with the 3.6L V6 uses electro-hydraulic power steering, so the “pump” is an electric hydraulic power steering pump assembly, not a belt-driven pump. Replacement involves safely removing the pump/reservoir assembly, transferring or replacing fluid connections, refilling with the correct Mopar hydraulic fluid, and bleeding air from the system.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 2.5-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging the electric power steering pump. This pump has high-current electrical wiring.
• ⚠️ Support your Grand Cherokee with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Power steering fluid can damage paint. Wipe spills immediately.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine with low or empty power steering fluid. The new pump can be damaged quickly.
• ⚠️ Use only the correct Mopar-approved hydraulic power steering fluid. Do not use ATF unless specified on the reservoir cap or service information for your exact pump.
• ⚠️ A scan tool may be needed to clear steering-related fault codes after repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive
• Socket extension 6-inch 3/8-inch drive
• Torque wrench 3/8-inch drive
• Flat-blade screwdriver medium
• Trim clip removal tool
• Line wrench 18mm
• Hose clamp pliers
• Drain pan 2-quart minimum
• Fluid transfer pump
• Floor jack rated 3-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 3-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• OBD2 scan tool with steering module access (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Electro-hydraulic power steering pump assembly - Qty: 1
• Power steering fluid meeting Mopar MS-11655 specification - Qty: 2 quarts
• Power steering pressure line sealing washer/O-ring kit - Qty: 1
• Power steering return hose clamp - Qty: 1-2
• Plastic splash shield clips - Qty: As needed

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Grand Cherokee on level ground, shift to Park, and apply the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
• Let the engine cool before working near the front lower engine bay.
• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable and isolate it so it cannot spring back to the terminal.
• A line wrench is a wrench that grips more sides of a fluid fitting than a normal open-end wrench, reducing the chance of rounding it.
• A scan tool with steering module access can read and clear power steering system fault codes after the repair.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Support the Front

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift the front of your Grand Cherokee at the proper front jacking point.
• Place jack stands rated 3-ton minimum under the front support points.
• Gently lower the vehicle onto the stands and shake the vehicle lightly to confirm it is stable.
• Never trust the jack alone.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Splash Shield

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Use a trim clip removal tool to remove plastic push clips from the lower splash shield.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove any lower shield bolts.
• Lower the splash shield and set it aside.
• Reinstall later by tightening the 10mm splash shield bolts snug only, about Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).

Step 3: Locate the Power Steering Pump Assembly

• From underneath the front of your Grand Cherokee, locate the electro-hydraulic power steering pump/reservoir assembly near the front lower area of the vehicle.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver medium to gently move any plastic shields or retainers blocking access.
• Do not pull on the electrical wiring.

Step 4: Drain the Reservoir

• Place a drain pan 2-quart minimum under the pump area.
• Use a fluid transfer pump to remove as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir.
• Keep the drain pan in place because more fluid will drain when the hoses are removed.
• Less mess makes the job easier.

Step 5: Disconnect the Electrical Connector

• Confirm the negative battery cable is disconnected.
• Use your fingers or a flat-blade screwdriver medium to release the connector lock tab.
• Pull the connector straight off the pump. Do not pry on the wiring.

Step 6: Disconnect the Return Hose

• Use hose clamp pliers to compress the return hose clamp.
• Slide the clamp back on the hose.
• Twist the hose gently by hand to break it loose, then pull it off the pump nipple.
• Let fluid drain into the drain pan 2-quart minimum.

Step 7: Disconnect the Pressure Line

• Use an 18mm line wrench to loosen the pressure line fitting at the pump.
• Remove the fitting by hand once it is loose.
• Remove and discard the old sealing washer or O-ring from the line connection.
• Cap or cover the open line end with a clean rag to reduce dirt entry.
• Cleanliness protects the new pump.

Step 8: Remove the Pump Mounting Bolts

• Support the pump with one hand.
• Use a 13mm socket, ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive, and socket extension 6-inch 3/8-inch drive to remove the pump mounting bolts.
• Some brackets may use 15mm socket bolts depending on bracket position.
• Lower the pump assembly out carefully without snagging the wiring or hoses.

Step 9: Compare the New Pump

• Place the old and new electro-hydraulic power steering pump assembly side by side.
• Confirm the reservoir shape, mounting ears, hose ports, and electrical connector match.
• Transfer any rubber isolators or brackets using a 13mm socket or 15mm socket if required.

Step 10: Install the New Pump

• Lift the new pump into position by hand.
• Start all mounting bolts by hand first to prevent cross-threading.
• Use a 13mm socket or 15mm socket with the torque wrench 3/8-inch drive to tighten the mounting bolts.
• Torque to 28 Nm (21 ft-lbs) unless the replacement pump instructions specify a different value.

Step 11: Reconnect the Pressure Line

• Install the new sealing washer or O-ring from the power steering pressure line sealing washer/O-ring kit.
• Thread the pressure line fitting into the pump by hand.
• Use the 18mm line wrench to tighten the fitting.
• Torque to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs) if access allows a torque wrench adapter; otherwise tighten firmly without over-tightening.

Step 12: Reconnect the Return Hose

• Push the return hose fully onto the pump nipple by hand.
• Use hose clamp pliers to position the clamp behind the raised bead on the nipple.
• If the original clamp is weak or rusty, install a new power steering return hose clamp.

Step 13: Reconnect the Electrical Connector

• Inspect the connector for fluid or corrosion.
• Push the connector straight onto the pump until it clicks.
• Make sure the wiring is routed away from moving parts and sharp edges.

Step 14: Refill the System

• Remove the reservoir cap.
• Add power steering fluid meeting Mopar MS-11655 specification until the level reaches the proper mark on the reservoir.
• Do not overfill. Air bubbles will make the level change during bleeding.

Step 15: Initial Bleed With Engine Off

• Keep the front wheels lifted off the ground on the jack stands rated 3-ton minimum.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using the 10mm socket.
• Slowly turn the steering wheel from full left to full right 10-15 times with the engine off.
• Check the reservoir level often and add power steering fluid meeting Mopar MS-11655 specification as needed.
• Do not hold the steering wheel against the stop for more than 1 second.

Step 16: Bleed With Engine Running

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Use your eyes and a flashlight if available to check the pressure line and return hose for leaks.
• Slowly turn the steering wheel left and right several times.
• Stop the engine and recheck the fluid level.
• If the fluid looks foamy, wait 5-10 minutes and repeat the bleeding process.

Step 17: Reinstall the Lower Splash Shield

• Raise the splash shield into place.
• Use the trim clip removal tool by hand to reinstall reusable plastic clips.
• Use the 10mm socket to install the splash shield bolts.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).

Step 18: Lower the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 3-ton minimum.
• Lower your Grand Cherokee slowly to the ground.

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✅ After Repair

• Use an OBD2 scan tool with steering module access to check for power steering or steering control module fault codes.
• Clear any stored codes after verifying the pump works normally.
• Road test at low speed first. Confirm steering assist is smooth and quiet.
• Recheck the fluid level after the road test and top off if needed.
• Inspect the pump, pressure fitting, and return hose for leaks after the road test.
• If the steering is noisy or jerky, air is still in the system. Repeat the bleed procedure.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $850-$1,450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$750 (parts only)

You Save: $500-$700 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2.0-3.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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