POWER STEERING PUMP
A power steering pump is an important part of a vehicle that is critical to its steering. Here is everything that you need to know about purchasing a used power steering pump.
WHAT IS A POWER STEERING PUMP?
A power steering pump is a system driven by the movement of the crankshaft through a pulley and a belt. The function of the power steering pump is to augment the steering of the vehicle. The power steering pump is able to accomplish this by compressing the power steering fluid.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
A power steering pump has a large pulley along with a casing for the pump housing. The entire system is about 12 to 15 pounds in weight, depending on the specific vehicle.
WHERE IS THE POWER STEERING PUMP LOCATED?
The power steering pump is usually located high up on the engine. In some cases, the power steering pump can be located on top of the engine where it meets the crankshaft.
TYPES OF POWER STEERING PUMPS
There are four types of power steering pumps:
- Vane - This is, by far, the most common type of power steering pump. With this system, the pump traps the power steering fluid before pressuring it before it leaves the housing.
- Roller - The roller system uses centrifugal force to grab the fluid as it is pressurized and pushed through the pump’s outlet.
- Slipper - The slipper system uses springs to assist in adding pressure and then releasing the fluid.
WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A POWER STEERING PUMP?
- Pulley
- Pump housing
- Rotor
- Pressure control valve
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A POWER STEERING PUMP?
The first thing that you want to do is make sure that the power steering pump is in working order before you purchase it. You can test a power steering pump by using a power steering pressure gauge if the system is already in a vehicle.
Also, you want to make sure that the power steering pump has all three main components in working order. That includes the pulley, pump housing, rotor and pressure control valve.
Finally, you will want to make sure that the power steering pump is compatible with the vehicle that you are pairing it with. Be sure to check the owner's manual of your original vehicle to ensure that you are buying the right type of power steering pump.
BUYING TIPS FOR POWER STEERING PUMPS
If you want to make sure that you are buying the best possible power steering pump for your vehicle, then consider an OEM power steering pump that matches your vehicle. OEM parts are 100% duplicates of the parts that are in your vehicle. For instance, if you are looking for a power steering pump for an F-150, then a Ford OEM power steering pump will be your best option.
If you are buying a power steering pump from an old vehicle, you may want to check the Carfax report on that vehicle. From there, you can see if the vehicle has been in an accident and if the vehicle has been well maintained.
When you are buying a new power steering pump, you should also buy the associated components that work with the pump including the reservoir, gasket, and fan. This will help give your power steering pump the best possible performance.
PARTS THAT CONNECT TO POWER STEERING PUMPS
The power steering pump connects to the crankshaft center pulley or a serpentine belt. Be sure to check that either of these items are in working order when you install the power steering pump.