steering

Power Steering Pump

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
12
Steps
12

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power steering pump on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including fluid system drainage, belt removal, and system bleeding.

Warnings

Power steering fluid can cause skin irritation. Avoid prolonged contact and wash immediately if exposed.
Do not start the engine with the power steering reservoir empty or air locks will form in the system.
ℹ️Power steering fluid will damage paint. Cover fenders and clean any spills immediately.
Engine must be completely cool before beginning work. Power steering fluid can retain heat.

Tools required

10mm, 12mm, 14mm socket setEssential
Ratchet and extension setEssential
Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential
Drain pan (minimum 2 quart capacity)Essential
Line wrench set (flare nut wrenches)Essential
Turkey baster or fluid transfer pump
Jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Serpentine belt tool or 14mm wrenchEssential
Funnel with long neck
Shop ragsEssential
Nitrile gloves

Parts

  • Power steering pump assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Power steering pressure line O-ring × 1 — 90301-26007 or equivalent
  • Power steering return line O-ring × 1 — 90099-06178 or equivalent
  • Serpentine belt (if worn or contaminated) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

  • Toyota ATF Dexron III — 1.5 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
  2. Allow engine to cool completely for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at the factory jacking points.
  4. Remove the front passenger side wheel to improve access (optional but recommended).
  5. Place drain pan beneath power steering pump area.
  6. Using turkey baster or fluid pump, remove as much power steering fluid as possible from the reservoir.

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove serpentine belt
    Locate the serpentine belt tensioner on the right side of the engine. Using a 14mm wrench or serpentine belt tool, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension. Slide the belt off the power steering pump pulley, then slowly release the tensioner. Remove the belt from remaining pulleys and extract from engine bay. Inspect belt for fluid contamination or damage.
  2. 2
    Disconnect power steering pressure line
    Locate the high-pressure line connection on the rear of the pump (metal line with banjo bolt or threaded fitting). Place shop rags beneath the connection to catch fluid. Using a line wrench, loosen and remove the pressure line fitting. Allow fluid to drain into the pan. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the fitting. Cap or plug the line to prevent contamination.
    Residual pressure may cause fluid to spray when line is disconnected. Cover connection with a shop rag.
  3. 3
    Disconnect power steering return line
    Locate the return hose on the pump (rubber hose with spring clamp or screw clamp). Using pliers or a screwdriver, release the hose clamp and slide it back on the hose. Twist and pull the return hose off the pump fitting. Allow remaining fluid to drain into the pan. Inspect the hose for cracks or deterioration.
  4. 4
    Remove power steering pump mounting bolts
    Identify the pump mounting bolts (typically three bolts: one long bolt through the adjustment bracket and two shorter bolts at the base). Using appropriate sockets and extensions, remove all mounting bolts while supporting the pump. The pump may be tight in the bracket; wiggle gently to free it. Note the position and length of each bolt for reinstallation.
    ℹ️The pump is heavy and contains residual fluid. Support it carefully during removal to prevent dropping.
  5. 5
    Remove pump from engine bay
    With all connections and bolts removed, carefully maneuver the power steering pump out from the engine bay. You may need to tilt or rotate the pump to clear surrounding components. Drain any remaining fluid from the pump into the drain pan. Set the old pump aside on shop rags.
  6. 6
    Prepare new power steering pump
    Remove the new pump from packaging and verify it matches the old pump (pulley alignment, mounting points, and port locations). If the pulley needs to be transferred from the old pump, use a pulley puller and installer tool set. Install new O-rings on both the pressure line fitting and return line connection, lightly lubricating them with clean ATF.
  7. 7
    Install new power steering pump
    Position the new pump into the mounting bracket, aligning all mounting holes. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, tighten them evenly in a crossing pattern to the specified torque.
    Torque spec
    Pump Mounting Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Connect power steering return line
    Slide the return hose onto the pump fitting, ensuring it is fully seated against the stop on the fitting. Position the hose clamp over the connection point and tighten securely. Verify the hose is routed correctly and not kinked or touching hot exhaust components.
    Torque spec
    Return Line Clamp4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Connect power steering pressure line
    Install the new O-ring on the pressure line fitting if not already done. Align the pressure line with the pump port and thread the fitting by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a line wrench, tighten the pressure line fitting to the specified torque. Ensure the line is not twisted or under tension.
    ℹ️Do not use an open-end wrench on pressure line fittings as this can round the flats. Always use a line wrench.
    Torque spec
    Pressure Line Fitting30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Install serpentine belt
    Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys according to the belt routing diagram (typically located on the radiator support or under hood). Leave the belt off the power steering pump pulley initially. Rotate the tensioner clockwise and slide the belt onto the power steering pump pulley last. Slowly release the tensioner to apply proper tension. Verify the belt is centered on all pulleys.
  11. 11
    Fill power steering system
    Using a funnel, fill the power steering reservoir with fresh Toyota ATF Dexron III to the cold fill line. Do not overfill. Allow fluid to settle for a few minutes, then add more if needed to maintain proper level.
    Only use Toyota ATF Dexron III or equivalent specified fluid. Other fluids can damage seals and cause system failure.
  12. 12
    Bleed power steering system
    With the engine off, turn the steering wheel fully from lock to lock 10-15 times slowly. Check fluid level and top off as needed. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 3-5 times while the engine is running. Check for leaks at all connections. Turn off the engine, check fluid level, and top off to the hot fill line. Repeat lock-to-lock turns with engine running until no air bubbles appear in the reservoir and operation is smooth.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall the front passenger wheel if removed and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
  2. Lower vehicle from jack stands and perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts with vehicle on ground.
  3. Clean any spilled power steering fluid from engine bay and undercarriage components.
  4. Inspect the work area for any tools or parts left behind.

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify smooth, quiet power steering pump operation with no whining or groaning noises.
  • Turn the steering wheel fully in both directions while idling and verify smooth operation without binding.
  • Check all connections (pressure line, return hose, mounting bolts) for leaks with engine running.
  • Verify power steering fluid level is at the hot fill line after system reaches operating temperature.
  • Test drive the vehicle and confirm normal steering effort and no unusual noises during turns.
  • Recheck fluid level after test drive and inspect for any new leaks around pump and connections.
  • Verify serpentine belt is tracking properly on all pulleys with no slipping or squealing.

More procedures for this vehicle

⚠ STILL BEHIND THE PAYWALL
The 2012 Toyota Camry repair data is incomplete because no one has sponsored it yet. For $99, we generate the full step-by-step procedures, then fact-check them with a second AI pass and your expert review. Your name on every procedure, permanently.
The same data would cost $169/mo from Mitchell1 or $30/year from ALLDATAdiy — and you'd be renting access, not freeing it. Sponsor once, free forever.
Sponsor the Toyota Camry — $99 →
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →