steering
Power Steering Pump
for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
7
Steps
14
This procedure removes and replaces the power steering pump on 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson models equipped with the 2.5L I4 engine and AWD. Note that these models use electric power steering and do not have a traditional hydraulic pump.
Warnings
⚠️Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 3 minutes before starting work to allow airbag system capacitors to discharge.
⚠The 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L uses electric power steering (EPS), not hydraulic. If you were expecting a hydraulic pump with fluid lines, verify your vehicle configuration before proceeding.
⚠Engine must be completely cool before beginning work. Hot components can cause severe burns.
ℹ️This procedure assumes EPS motor failure. Verify diagnostic trouble codes before replacement as many steering issues are sensor-related.
Tools required
Socket set (10mm-19mm)Essential
Torque wrench (3-150 Nm range)Essential
Serpentine belt tool or 3/8" breaker barEssential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Drain pan
Wire brush
Thread locker (medium strength)
Parts
- Electric power steering motor/pump assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Power steering pump mounting bolts × 2 — Reuse if threads are good
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 3 minutes minimum
- Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
- Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
- Remove front passenger-side wheel for access to EPS unit
- Remove plastic engine undershield if equipped (multiple 10mm bolts and push clips)
Procedure
- 1Remove serpentine beltLocate the serpentine belt tensioner on the front of the engine. Using a 3/8" breaker bar or belt tool, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension. Slide the belt off the pulleys and slowly release tensioner. Remove belt from engine bay. Take a photo or diagram of belt routing before removal for reinstallation reference.
- 2Disconnect EPS electrical connectorLocate the electric power steering motor assembly on the lower passenger side of the engine bay, near the steering rack. Press the release tab on the main EPS electrical connector and pull connector straight off. Do not pull on wires. If connector is corroded, use electrical contact cleaner before disconnecting.
- 3Remove air intake components for accessLoosen the clamp on the air intake tube where it connects to the throttle body. Disconnect any air temperature sensors or breather hoses. Remove the air intake tube and air filter housing assembly to provide clear access to the EPS motor. Set components aside in clean area.
- 4Disconnect EPS wiring harness bracketsThe EPS motor wiring harness is secured by several plastic clips and possibly a metal bracket to the subframe. Carefully release all clips and remove any 10mm bolts securing wiring brackets. Leave enough slack to allow the harness to move with the motor during removal.
- 5Remove EPS motor mounting boltsLocate the two or three mounting bolts securing the EPS motor to the steering rack assembly. These are typically 12mm or 14mm head bolts. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt. Remove all mounting bolts and carefully note their positions as they may be different lengths.Torque specPump Mounting Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 6Remove EPS motor assemblyWith all bolts removed, carefully pull the EPS motor straight out from the steering rack. The motor shaft engages with the rack pinion, so pull firmly but steadily. Wiggle slightly if needed but do not pry against steering rack housing. Once shaft is clear, remove motor from engine bay.⚠Do not allow the motor shaft to strike the steering rack housing during removal as this can damage the precision pinion gears.
- 7Clean mounting surface and inspectWith the old EPS motor removed, use a wire brush to clean the mounting surface on the steering rack. Inspect the rack housing for any cracks or damage. Check the pinion shaft opening for debris or metal shavings which could indicate internal rack damage. Clean any dirt or oil from mounting bolt holes.
- 8Install new EPS motor assemblyAlign the new EPS motor shaft with the pinion opening on the steering rack. The shaft has a splined connection that must align properly. Rotate the motor shaft slightly while pushing in until it engages fully. Push motor flush against mounting surface ensuring proper seating before installing bolts.
- 9Install and torque mounting boltsInstall all EPS motor mounting bolts hand-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque them in a cross pattern to specification. Verify motor is seated flush against rack housing with no gaps.⚠Over-torquing mounting bolts can crack the EPS motor housing or distort the rack assembly. Use calibrated torque wrench.Torque specPump Mounting Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect electrical connector and harnessPlug the main EPS electrical connector back onto the motor until it clicks securely. Tug gently to verify connection. Reinstall all wiring harness brackets and clips to secure harness properly. Ensure wiring is routed away from heat sources and moving components.
- 11Reinstall air intake componentsReinstall the air filter housing and intake tube in reverse order of removal. Reconnect all sensors and breather hoses. Tighten intake tube clamp at throttle body securely but do not over-tighten plastic components.
- 12Reinstall serpentine beltRoute serpentine belt around all pulleys according to the diagram (should be on radiator shroud or reference your photo). Rotate tensioner clockwise and slip belt onto final pulley. Slowly release tensioner to apply proper belt tension. Verify belt is centered on all pulleys.
- 13Reinstall wheel and undershieldReinstall plastic engine undershield using all original fasteners and clips. Install front passenger wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern.
- 14Reconnect battery and perform steering initializationReconnect battery negative terminal. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and turn steering wheel fully left and right several times to allow the EPS system to initialize and calibrate. Start engine and verify no warning lights remain illuminated on dash.
Reassembly
- All components should be reinstalled in reverse order of removal
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Verify serpentine belt is properly routed and tensioned
- Double-check that all wiring harnesses are secured away from moving parts
Verification
- Start engine and verify no EPS warning light on instrument cluster
- Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary - should feel smooth with no binding or unusual noises
- Test drive vehicle at low speed in parking lot - steering assist should function normally with light effort
- Verify no clicking, grinding, or whining noises from steering system during operation
- Check for any diagnostic trouble codes using OBD-II scanner - clear any learned codes from old motor if present
- Verify all warning lights are off after test drive and system initialization is complete