Power Steering Pump

This procedure covers removal and installation of the power steering pump on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine. Note: This vehicle uses electric power steering with no hydraulic fluid.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering pump assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• O-rings for high pressure fitting × 2 — Use OEM specification
• O-rings for pressure line fitting × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Serpentine belt × 1 — Replace if worn or damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes for system discharge
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips
5. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands
6. Remove driver side front wheel for improved access
7. Remove belly pan fasteners and lower protective covers

Procedure

1. 1

   Release serpentine belt tension
   Locate the serpentine belt tensioner on the front of the engine. Using a serpentine belt tool or 15mm socket, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension. Slip the belt off the power steering pump pulley first, then allow tensioner to return slowly. Remove belt from remaining pulleys and extract from engine bay. Inspect belt for glazing, cracks, or missing ribs.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the power steering pump motor assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully pull connector straight away from pump. If connector is corroded or difficult to remove, spray with electrical contact cleaner and allow to penetrate. Do not force connector or damage to pins may occur.
3. 3

   Remove pulley from pump shaft
   Hold the power steering pump pulley stationary using a pin spanner wrench inserted into the pulley holes. Using an appropriate socket, loosen and remove the pulley retaining nut. Once nut is removed, use a pulley puller tool to extract the pulley from the pump shaft. Do not attempt to pry pulley off as this will damage the pump housing.
   Torque spec

   Pulley Nut70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect pressure fittings
   Using a line wrench, carefully loosen the high pressure hose fitting at the pump. If present, also disconnect the pressure line fitting. Support the lines to prevent strain on connections. Cap or plug all open ports immediately to prevent contamination entry. Note the orientation and routing of lines for reinstallation.
   ℹ️If any residual fluid is present in lines, have drain pan ready. Electric power steering systems should contain no hydraulic fluid, but verify during disassembly.
   Torque spec

   High Pressure Hose Fitting25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Pressure Line Fitting30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect return line
   Locate the return line connection to the pump reservoir or housing. Using appropriate pliers or screwdriver, loosen the return hose clamp. Carefully twist and pull the return line off the pump fitting. Allow any residual fluid to drain into pan. Inspect hose for cracks or deterioration.
   Torque spec

   Return Hose Clamp3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

   Return Line Clamp4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove pump mounting bolts
   Locate all power steering pump mounting bolts securing the pump to the engine block or mounting bracket. There are typically 3-4 mounting bolts. Support the pump weight with one hand while removing the final bolt. Carefully extract the pump assembly from the engine bay, noting any brackets or spacers that must be transferred to the new pump.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Pump Mounting Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Transfer components to new pump
   If the new pump does not include mounting brackets, carefully remove brackets from old pump and transfer to new unit. Inspect all mounting points for damage or elongation. Clean all mounting surfaces on engine block with brake cleaner and allow to dry completely.
8. 8

   Install new power steering pump
   Position the new power steering pump assembly into mounting location, aligning all bolt holes. Thread all mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque pump mounting bolts in a crossing pattern to specification. Verify pump sits flush against mounting surface with no gaps.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Pump Mounting Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect return line
   Slide the return hose onto the pump fitting, ensuring it is fully seated past the barb. Position the return line clamp over the hose and fitting, then tighten to specification. Verify hose cannot be pulled off by hand after clamp is secured.
   Torque spec

   Return Hose Clamp3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

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

    Connect pressure fittings with new O-rings
    Install new O-rings onto all pressure fittings. Lightly lubricate O-rings with clean power steering fluid or assembly lube. Thread the pressure line fitting and high pressure hose fitting onto pump by hand until finger-tight. Using a line wrench, torque fittings to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage O-rings and cause leaks.
    ⚠Always use new O-rings when reconnecting pressure fittings. Reused O-rings will likely leak under operating pressure.
    Torque spec

    High Pressure Hose Fitting25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

    Pressure Line Fitting30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install pulley onto pump shaft
    Using a power steering pulley installer tool, press the pulley onto the pump shaft until it is fully seated and flush with the end of the shaft. Install the pulley retaining nut and hand-tighten. Hold the pulley stationary with a pin spanner wrench and torque the pulley nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Pulley Nut70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Clean the electrical connector pins with electrical contact cleaner if needed. Align the connector with the pump motor terminals and push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently pull on connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
13. 13

    Install serpentine belt
    Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys according to the belt routing diagram on the radiator support or under hood. Leave the power steering pump pulley for last. Rotate the belt tensioner clockwise and slip the belt onto the power steering pump pulley. Slowly release tensioner to apply proper belt tension. Verify belt is centered on all pulleys.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all belly pans and protective covers removed during disassembly
2. Reinstall driver side front wheel and torque lug nuts to specification
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands
4. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing down firmly
5. Reconnect battery negative terminal

Verification

• With engine off, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to verify full range of motion without binding
• Start engine and listen for unusual noises from power steering pump area
• Turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while engine is running, listening for grinding, whining, or other abnormal sounds
• Check all fittings for leaks (though electric power steering should have no hydraulic fluid)
• Verify power steering assist is functioning properly by comparing effort required at idle versus at higher engine speeds
• Test drive vehicle and verify steering response is normal with no warning lights on dashboard
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using appropriate scan tool to confirm no electrical faults with new pump

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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