This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power steering pump on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including serpentine belt removal, fluid line disconnection, and system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering pump × 1 — Motorcraft STP212RM or equivalent
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Pressure line O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Serpentine belt (if worn or damaged) × 1 — Motorcraft 8PK2515 or equivalent

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starter engagement
4. Place drain pan under power steering pump area
5. Remove engine cover by lifting upward on the front edge and pulling forward to release rear clips
6. Use fluid pump or turkey baster to remove as much power steering fluid as possible from the reservoir
7. Take photo of serpentine belt routing for reference (or consult underhood belt routing diagram)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove serpentine belt
   Locate the serpentine belt tensioner on the passenger side of the engine. Using a 1/2" breaker bar or serpentine belt tool, rotate the tensioner clockwise to relieve belt tension. Slide the belt off the power steering pump pulley first, then carefully release tensioner and remove belt from remaining pulleys. Inspect belt for wear, cracks, or glazing and replace if necessary.
2. 2

   Disconnect power steering reservoir hose
   Locate the return hose connecting the power steering reservoir to the pump (lower hose on reservoir). Use pliers to squeeze and slide the hose clamp away from the pump connection point. Gently twist and pull the hose off the pump fitting. Allow remaining fluid to drain into the drain pan. Have shop towels ready to contain fluid spillage.
3. 3

   Disconnect high-pressure line
   Locate the high-pressure line fitting on the pump (metal line with threaded fitting). Use a 17mm or 19mm line wrench or open-end wrench to loosen the pressure line fitting. Position drain pan directly below as pressurized fluid may spray initially. Once loosened, unthread completely by hand and remove the line. Inspect the O-ring on the line and prepare to replace it during reassembly.
   ⚠Some residual pressure may remain in the high-pressure line. Keep face and body clear when initially loosening the fitting.
4. 4

   Remove power steering pump mounting bolts
   The power steering pump is mounted with three bolts on the 5.0L Coyote engine. Locate all three mounting bolts: one at the top rear, one at the bottom front, and one at the side bracket. Using a 15mm socket and ratchet, remove all three mounting bolts. Support the pump with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
5. 5

   Remove power steering pump
   With all mounting bolts removed, carefully maneuver the power steering pump out of the engine bay. The pump will need to be tilted and rotated to clear the pulley and surrounding components. Work slowly and avoid forcing the pump. Once removed, position the pump over the drain pan to catch any remaining fluid. If reusing the pulley, mark its orientation on the pump shaft for proper reinstallation.
6. 6

   Prepare new power steering pump
   If the new pump does not come with a pulley installed, transfer the pulley from the old pump using a pulley installation tool. Ensure the pulley is pressed on straight and flush with the pump shaft. Some new pumps come pre-filled with fluid; check manufacturer instructions. If dry, add approximately 4-6 oz of Motorcraft MERCON LV to the pump reservoir before installation to prevent dry start damage.
7. 7

   Install new power steering pump
   Carefully position the new power steering pump into the mounting location, reversing the removal process. Align the pump with the mounting bracket holes. Thread all three mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Pump Mounting Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect high-pressure line
   Install a new O-ring on the high-pressure line fitting, lightly lubricating it with clean power steering fluid. Thread the pressure line fitting into the pump by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use a torque wrench and appropriate socket or wrench to tighten the fitting to specification.
   ⚠Do not reuse old O-rings. Always install new O-rings to prevent leaks.
   Torque spec

   Pressure Line Fitting30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect return hose
   Push the return hose firmly onto the pump fitting until it seats completely. Slide the hose clamp into position over the fitting and hose overlap area (approximately 1/2" from the end of the fitting). Ensure the clamp is tight enough to prevent leaks but do not overtighten and damage the hose. If using a torque-style clamp, tighten to specification.
   Torque spec

   Return Line Clamp4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install serpentine belt
    Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys according to the belt routing diagram, leaving the tensioner pulley for last. Rotate the belt tensioner clockwise using a breaker bar to create slack, then slip the belt onto the tensioner pulley. Carefully release the tensioner to apply proper tension to the belt. Verify the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves.
11. 11

    Fill and bleed power steering system
    Fill the power steering reservoir with Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid to the COLD MAX line. With the engine off, turn the steering wheel fully lock-to-lock (full left to full right) 10-15 times to purge air from the system. Check fluid level and add as needed. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock 3-5 times while idling. Check for leaks at all connection points. Turn off engine, check fluid level again, and top off to the HOT MAX line if needed.
    ⚠Do not hold the steering wheel at full lock for more than 5 seconds while engine is running, as this can overheat the power steering fluid and damage components.
12. 12

    Final inspection and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Install engine cover by aligning rear clips first, then pressing down on front edge until it clicks into place. Start the engine and verify no unusual noises from the power steering pump. Check for fluid leaks around the pressure line fitting and return hose. Test drive the vehicle and verify smooth power steering operation with no whining, groaning, or excessive noise. Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to specification in the proper sequence
2. Double-check that all fluid line connections are tight and leak-free
3. Verify serpentine belt is properly routed and seated in all pulley grooves
4. Confirm power steering reservoir is filled to the proper HOT MAX level after bleeding

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks at pump connections, pressure line, or return hose
• Listen for unusual noises from power steering pump during idle and while turning steering wheel
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock with engine running to verify smooth operation and proper assist
• Check power steering fluid level after test drive and verify it remains at HOT MAX line
• Verify no warning lights on instrument cluster related to power steering
• Test drive vehicle and confirm normal power steering feel and response at various speeds

More procedures for this vehicle