steering
Power Steering Pump
for 2017 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
12
Steps
12
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering pump on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L I4 engine, including fluid system purging and verification.
Warnings
⚠Power steering fluid is slippery and can cause falls. Clean spills immediately.
⚠Do not start engine with power steering lines disconnected or pump will be damaged.
ℹ️The 2014-2019 Corolla uses an electric power steering system, but still has a hydraulic pump for brake booster assist. This procedure applies to that pump.
⚠Ensure vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
14mm socket and ratchetEssential
17mm wrenchEssential
Torque wrench (0-100 Nm range)Essential
Serpentine belt tool or 14mm wrench for tensionerEssential
Drain pan for power steering fluidEssential
Turkey baster or fluid transfer pumpEssential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Line wrenches (flare nut wrenches)
Shop towelsEssential
Parts
- Power steering pump assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Power steering pressure line O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Power steering return line O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Toyota ATF Dexron III — 1 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven
- Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands
- Remove front passenger side wheel for better access
- Place drain pan under power steering pump area
- Use turkey baster to remove as much fluid as possible from power steering reservoir
Procedure
- 1Remove serpentine beltLocate the serpentine belt tensioner on the front of the engine. Using a 14mm wrench or belt tool, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension. Slip the belt off the power steering pump pulley first, then release tensioner and remove belt completely. Note the belt routing diagram on the radiator shroud or take a photo for reinstallation.
- 2Disconnect power steering reservoir hoseLocate the return hose connection at the power steering pump (lower connection). Use pliers to slide the hose clamp away from the pump. Twist and pull the rubber hose off the pump fitting. Be prepared for fluid spillage. Cap or plug the hose end to minimize fluid loss.⚠Approximately 0.5 quarts of fluid will drain from this connection. Have drain pan positioned.
- 3Disconnect pressure lineLocate the high-pressure line fitting on the pump (upper connection with metal line). Using a 17mm wrench or line wrench, loosen and remove the pressure line fitting from the pump. Allow fluid to drain into pan. Inspect the O-ring on the line end and discard it - a new O-ring must be used during reassembly.ℹ️Use a line wrench if available to prevent rounding the fitting.
- 4Remove pump mounting boltsLocate the two or three mounting bolts securing the pump to the engine block. These are typically 12mm or 14mm head bolts. Remove all mounting bolts completely and set aside. Support the pump with one hand while removing the final bolt.
- 5Remove power steering pumpCarefully maneuver the pump assembly out of the engine bay. It may be necessary to angle the pump and work it past other components. The pulley remains attached to the pump. Once clear, inspect the mounting bracket area for any damage or corrosion.
- 6Prepare new pumpRemove the new pump from packaging and verify it matches the old unit. If the pulley needs to be transferred, use a pulley puller and installer tool set. Ensure all mounting surfaces on the new pump are clean and free of debris.
- 7Install new pumpPosition the new power steering pump into the mounting location, angling it into place the same way it was removed. Align the mounting holes with the bracket on the engine block. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before tightening any of them.
- 8Torque pump mounting boltsUsing a torque wrench, tighten the pump mounting bolts in a cross pattern if multiple bolts are present. Verify final torque specification with service manual as conflicting values exist in database.⚠Two different torque values are listed in database (25 Nm and 26 Nm). Verify correct specification for your specific model year.Torque specPump Mounting Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)Power Steering Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 9Connect pressure line with new O-ringInstall the new O-ring onto the pressure line fitting. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean power steering fluid. Thread the pressure line fitting into the pump by hand to ensure proper alignment, then tighten to specification using a 17mm wrench.⚠Cross-threading will damage the pump. Ensure fitting threads smoothly by hand before using wrench.Torque specPressure Line Fitting30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- 10Connect return hosePush the return hose firmly onto the pump's return fitting until it bottoms out. Slide the hose clamp into position approximately 10mm from the end of the fitting. If clamp is spring-type, ensure it is properly seated. If screw-type, tighten clamp securely but do not over-tighten and damage hose.Torque specReturn Line Clamp4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
- 11Install serpentine beltRoute the serpentine belt according to the diagram, leaving the power steering pump pulley for last. Rotate the belt tensioner clockwise with a 14mm wrench to create slack, then slip the belt onto the power steering pump pulley. Release the tensioner slowly to apply proper tension. Verify belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves.
- 12Fill and bleed power steering systemFill the power steering reservoir to the MAX line with Toyota ATF Dexron III. Start the engine and let it idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 3-4 times while checking fluid level. Add fluid as needed. Continue until no bubbles appear in the reservoir and fluid level stabilizes. Check all connections for leaks.⚠Do not hold steering at full lock for more than 5 seconds to avoid damaging the pump.
Reassembly
- Reinstall front passenger wheel and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern
- Lower vehicle from jack stands
- Perform final torque on wheel lug nuts with vehicle on ground
- Recheck power steering fluid level after vehicle reaches operating temperature
- Inspect all connections for leaks during and after test drive
Verification
- Start engine and verify no unusual noises from pump area
- Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times and confirm smooth operation with no binding or noise
- Check for fluid leaks at pressure line fitting and return hose connections
- Verify power steering fluid level is at MAX line with engine at operating temperature
- Test drive vehicle and confirm normal steering assist function at all speeds
- Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
- Inspect serpentine belt alignment on all pulleys