Do-it-yourself power steering repair

In detail: do-it-yourself power steering repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

To make it easier for the driver to control the vehicle, in modern cars a hydraulic booster is installed on the steering column. One of the main elements of this mechanism is a pump that pumps hydraulic fluid through the power steering system. During operation, it is subjected to heavy loads, so from time to time it becomes necessary to repair the power steering pump.

You can change this unit with your own hands. It is even possible to replace a bearing that has failed. In this case, a power steering pump repair kit is useful, which can be bought at any automotive store. Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repair

Before making a decision to carry out repair work, it is necessary to check the presence of fluid in the tank, as well as the compliance of its brand with the one allowed for use on this machine. Often, the cause of the symptoms of a malfunction is the appearance of air jams in the system. Therefore, if this is suspected, it is necessary to pump the hydraulics, removing all air plugs. The performance of the power steering in this case can be fully restored. If, when checking the quality of the working fluid, it is found that it does not meet the standard, it is necessary to change it to the fluid of the desired brand. In the case when a decision is made to repair the power steering pump, it is required to prepare a workplace and the necessary tools, as well as materials for the work:
  • you need a key for "12", as well as heads for "14" and "24";
  • you will need a puller for the retaining rings;Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repair
  • prepare in advance two washers made of copper, a gasket for the rear casing, o-rings, in the amount of two pieces and an oil seal, they can be replaced by a power steering pump repair kit;
  • it is obligatory to have a bearing marked “6202” and an outer diameter of 35 mm;
  • to pump out oil from the tank, you need a large syringe and a container;
  • clean the workbench and cover it with clean cardboard to disassemble the pump;
  • prepare fine sandpaper and rags for wiping.

In order to remove the power steering pump and repair it yourself, you need to perform the following steps. Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repair

  1. Slightly loosen the axle bolt that secures the pump unit to the bracket using the hole provided in the pulley. Completely unscrew the lock nut of the tensioner and remove the belt.
  2. Using a syringe, pump out the hydraulic fluid from the reservoir. Turn the steering wheel right and left until it stops so that the oil is completely out of the system, do this several times to completely clean the pipelines.
Video (click to play).

Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repair

  1. Loosen the clamp on the hose that comes from the expansion tank, and remove this pipeline.

Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repair

  1. Unscrew the bolt that secures the high pressure hose from the pump to the system.
  2. Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repairRemove the axial bolt securing the pump to the bracket and insert a screwdriver or a metal rod of a suitable diameter in its place in order to lock the pulley. After that, unscrew the nut that secures the pump pulley.
  3. Pull the released power steering pump unit up and put it in a specially prepared place. Remove dirt and oil from the body of the unit.
  4. Using a puller, remove the bearing circlip.
  5. Loosen the rear cover screws. Carefully pry it off with a small screwdriver and remove it, making sure that the rotor blades do not fall out of the housing.

Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repair

  1. Pull out the blades and put them on pre-prepared numbered pieces of paper so as not to confuse anything during assembly. Attention! Remember the position of the blades when assembled. When installed in the housing, the rounded part of these blades must be turned outward.

Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repair

  1. Remove the plate and all parts under it.
  2. Knock out the shaft, carefully tapping with a screwdriver.

Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repair

  1. Press the bearing off the pump shaft.

Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repair

  1. Change the unusable bearing to a pre-prepared one.

Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repair

  1. Check the parts of the pump unit for defects and wear. Clean surfaces from dirt and roughness. Experts say that simple cleaning of internal parts reduces gaps and allows you to extend the operation of this unit without replacing any parts.

Image - Do-it-yourself power steering repair

  1. Reassemble in reverse order. It is mandatory to change the stuffing box, o-rings and washers to new ones prepared in advance.

If it is difficult for you to repair the power steering pump with your own hands or there is no time for this, then it is possible to replace the power steering pump with a new one. This will significantly reduce repair time. Also watch related videos: