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.
Inspection Procedure
- Measure the outside diameter (b) of the pump shaft (2).
- Measure the inside diameter (a) of the pump shaft hole in the front housing (1).
- Calculate the clearance for the pump shaft seal. If the clearance is not within the specifications, replace the power steering pump.
Specification: The minimum clearance for the pump shaft seal is 0.021 mm (0.0008 in). The maximum clearance for the pump shaft seal is 0.070 mm (0.0028 in).
- Measure the height (a) of each vane (1).
Specification: The minimum height of each vane is 7.60 mm (0.299 in).
- Measure the length (c) of each vane.
Specification: The minimum length of each vane is 11.993 mm (0.4722 in).
- Measure the thickness (b) of each vane.
Specification: The minimum thickness of each vane is 1.405 mm (0.0553 in).
- Use a feeler gage in order to measure the clearance between each vane and the corresponding slot in the rotor. If the dimensions of the rotor or the vanes are not within the specifications, replace the pump.
Specification: The maximum clearance between a vane and the rotor is 0.030 mm (0.0012 in).
- Measure the free length of the flow control valve spring (1). If the free length of the spring is not within the specification, replace the pump.
Specification: The minimum free length of the spring is 36.9 mm (1.45 in).
- Complete the following steps in order to test the flow control valve:
- Use your finger in order to plug 1 hole on the side of the valve.
- Apply compressed air, 392-490 kPa (57-71 psi) to the other hole on the side of the valve.
- If air exits the hole in the bottom end of the valve, replace the valve.
- Apply fluid to the valve. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
- Apply fluid to the flow control valve hole in the front housing.
- Hold the pump front housing in a position in order to insert the valve vertically into the housing.
- Insert the valve into the front housing. If the valve does not slide smoothly into the front housing, replace the pump.
- Inspect the pump inlet tube and the front housing. If the pump inlet tube does not seal properly against the front housing, replace the pump.
- If the pump components meet the specifications, assemble the pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Assemble . If the pump components do not meet the specifications, replace the pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement .
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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.