Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Power Steering Pump: Operation
Rectangular pumping vanes, carried by a shaft driven rotor, move fluid from intake to pressure cavities of the cam ring. As the rotor begins to rotate, centrifugal force throws the vanes against the inside surface of the cam ring to pick up residual oil, which is then forced into the high pressure area.
Oil is forced into cavities of the thrust plate and through 2 cross-over holes in the cam ring and pressure plate. This oil empties into the high pressure area between the pressure plate and housing end plate. Filling the high pressure area causes oil to flow under vanes in slots of rotor, forcing the vanes to follow the inside oval of cam ring oil is forced out from between the vanes, creating high pressure.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.