How a Power Steering Pump Works

Here's how a power steering pump works to provide pressure to the power steering rack on your car.
A power steering pump is essentially a vane pump. Inside, a rotor with translating vanes rotates inside an eccentric cam housing.
The vanes are flung toward the outside of the cam housing on either side where pockets are formed. As the rotor rotates, the pockets become smaller as the vanes retract. This creates a high pressure zone on one end, and a low pressure zone on the other end, driving the fluid flow.
Power steering pumps are self regulating, in that they can regulate the flow of the fluid coming out as the engine RPM increases. Inside the flow control valve consists of a ball and a spring. Excess fluid is pumped pass the spring and back out to the low pressure inlet port. That's how the steering effort is not over-boosted at higher speeds.
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[@KuldeepSingh-by8dt]

1:00 that spring thing was hilarious !!!

[@speedkar99]

+kuldeep sandhu Lol It went somewhere but I don't know where.

[@crescentandstarglory]

that was so funny :-)))

[@robotviewer1396]

i have a 2012 dodge charger srt8 with a steering pump similar to the one shown in video. The o-ring seal where the reservoir connects to the pump broke causing a major leak.....i took the pump off and apart.....replaced all the seals....reassembled (i took notes and pics) i filled with ATF-4 as requested......I turned the wheel back and fourth over 100 times.....i put a vacuum on the reservoir while turning side to side....i just cant get power steering at idle....when accelerating power sterring works fine.....has a constant whinning.....I never had any issue with the power steering before. I took the pump off a 2nd time....reassembled....same issue. Any idea what could be causing this? Something I'm overlooking? I just ordered a ref Mopar p/s pump from rockauto.....Im thinking my pump is fine and maybe the r/p is bad......but Ive never had an issue ever with it......could there be a pocket of air......no leaks anywhere and i put the steering through hell on a mountain pass trying to break something but it kept going and going.......just loud whinning and no power steering at idle.....I have nerve damage in my forearms so I cant deal with this much longer......any advice or ideas would ve greatly greatly appreciated. Thank You in advance.​@speedkar99

[@jreina20]

"... And it's invisible right now because it went flying and I lost it..."

[@speedkar99]

+jreina20 yea shoot. I wish I still had the flow control valve. That would be interesting to dissect.

[@3sha214]

I was about to quote the same thing lol..

[@TARVETHZ]

6 yrs later n im dying laughing at this 😂😂

[@mmichaeldonavon]

One of THE best explanations as to how a mechanical device operates! YOU should be in a classroom - no question about it. Thanks, very enlightening.

[@speedkar99]

+Michael Donavon alot of people tell me that. But I don't want to go to school, I want to learn by experience.

[@xavierg2950]

@@speedkar99 I believe he's talking about teaching.

[@_Wai_Wai_]

stop telling people to go to school! most teachers in schools are dumbasses.

[@RC-cf7yu]

You're the only one who does the tearing of units to show internal components revealing secrets. I also like tearing things. Your videos has been helpful. Keep it up man, from The Philippines.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks Your right I haven't seen much out there

[@jadesmith6823]

Your honesty, education and demonstration without that spring is utterly brilliant 🤣

[@firatbey9828]

Wonderful video. One of the best informatives I've ever seen. Fluent talk, knows his stuff, theoretical and practical info in the same video, no unnecessary stuff to make the vid 10mins. A+

[@jessecreatethis2863]

You rock dude. I was trying to visualize how this worked internally so I could diagnose an issue I'm having. This helps immensely.

[@speedkar99]

I'm glad it helped you understand, thanks for subscribing

[@PrinceSteering-nh9mj]

Am a steering engineer by profession I work and repair all kinds of steering pump and racks for all kinds of cars

[@ovalwingnut]

5 years later and still the best P/S pump description on the Interwebs, bar none. Not to mention studley tools and your brother's personal items all at no additonal charge. Does it get any better? I don't think so.

[@JodBronson]

This is an ingenious idea that they came up with. They knew that Blade / Fan Type wouldn't work, so rotating " Vanes " would be a better option and longer lasting :D.

[@speedkar99]

+Jordan Bronson it is quite interesting, in that it differs from an oil pump (tranny and engine), the vanes here adjust to wear as they grind down so it lasts long.

[@JodBronson]

Hahahahahaha right!!! I did say.... " ingenious idea that they came up with ". LOL

[@lunarlasso]

Glad you made this six years ago. Best video I've seen on how a mechanical device works. Taking my ASEs and this explains it so much better than any book. Thanks! Much love!

[@ryanr6197]

This was very helpful! Great detailed info to help the novice that I am without going over my head. Thanks!

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome. I will do future videos of this style

[@hostilityy]

Why the fuck has this channel not super grown maximum expansion yet? so underrated and pisses me off

[@speedkar99]

+hostilityy I agree!

[@DayaCIDfan]

You are next level at what you do! Getting down to the cross section of every machine in real life haha. good stuff!

[@speedkar99]

Yep. Gotta cut it apart and see what's inside!!

[@SouthsideTile]

Wow, no one is commenting on your great sense of humor?! Invisible sprng, brothers sock? C'mon people, this man was a hoot to watch work!! Also, from another man who works on his own diesel truck in the snow, I feel your pain! Just living where we live makes us harder than many 👌🏻keep truckin' buddy.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, glad you like my video style We have no choice but to work in the snow, that's our country 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@SouthsideTile]

@@speedkar99 Hell yeah man, and my gloves all look like yours too! Fingerless, for easy access 😉 haha much respect from the sticks of Buffalo, NY!

[@edgar-edgarton]

Loved it! He even uses his brothers sock to clean the surfaces!

[@melody3741]

"its invisible right now because it eent flying and i lost it" 😂😂😂

[@Jayeeyee]

There were so many hidden comedic jokes behind this video, 10/10.

[@speedkar99]

Haha glad you liked it

[@sam666r]

Brilliant explanation... Seriously.. Brothers socks!!

[@speedkar99]

+Nickk pr Thanks! Socks are the best for absorbing oil

[@davidlindquist3113]

I love your videos. Direct, to the point, no extra yakking.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. That's my style 😉

[@nimalasirirandombage5966]

@@speedkar99it is better for viewers

[@Ragginn1]

i had not even realized they where vane pumps, makes very sense

[@speedkar99]

Sure

[@Bduh2]

Thank you so much for this very educational video. It sure answered the question I had regarding my power steering pump.

[@vicky-nc3to]

Your ways of opening things & supported by relevant knowledge of how these stuff works, makes your videos better.. Keep it up buddy & destroy more of your brother's clothes. .... Nicely explained......

[@speedkar99]

+vicky singh I'm glad you enjoy these!

[@NIGHTOWL-jf9zt]

I hope that wasn't your brothers sock that was used to wipe up other fluids. HA HA HA. Serious though, thanks for this video. Now I know what is inside, and how it works!

[@speedkar99]

Awesome glad you learned something

[@ronaldmiller2740]

THANKS DUDE,,, . I HAVE A 1978 BUICK SKYLARK ,, THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS LEAKING A SMALL AMOUNT JUST TO DRIVE ME CRAZY I HAVE TO FILL THE PUMP EVERY WEEK THE FLUID RUNS LOW ON ADD .. I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT DOES (THAT SPRING) WITH THAT SMALL PEICE OF RUBBER DO ??? ITS THE COVER FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP... I ALL READY CHANGED THE POWER STEERING ARM,, THREE MONTHS AGO, NOW THIS.. I NEED HELP ..I KNOW WHEN THE POWER STEERING FLUID GET WARM OR HOT IT FLOWS UP .. I NEED SOME HELP , OR CHANGE THIS TOOO. THANKS..

[@RickaramaTrama-lc1ys]

That show and tell was quite impressive and you obviously have done this before~!! I have never seen such control of The English Language and you should be very proud of your ability. Thanks for the lesson.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks for the compliment. I have never tore a power steering pump apart...I learn as you learn through the video!

[@TheEclecticHandyman]

This video was awesome, nice job! LOL using your brother's sock to clean the power steering pump.

[@speedkar99]

Gotta use what I can find. Socks are very absorbant

[@stanfridman2365]

Very nice vid. Very clear and easy fir mechanically inclined people , no BS straight to the point!!

[@speedkar99]

Straight and to the point is my style!

[@mdr1486]

Perfect timing. I'm rebuilding the pump on my 96 Camry V6 tomorrow. Good to know how it works.

[@cesarghost1203]

Randy Mahadeo just buy a new one. It's cheaper and easier that way

[@mdr1486]

cesar nunez I considered it but since it's only leaking and a reseal kit is less then 15$ from rockauto, I decided it was worth the try first

[@speedkar99]

+Randy Mahadeo Let me knowhow it goes! Thanks

[@speedkar99]

+cesar nunez Both can work, it depends how much time you have and if you need any special tools to take things apart (like a press for bearings for example)

[@johncasor9698]

just wow... he is smart as hell... Another Great Video... Thx...

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@Captain_911]

The best auto mechanic in the world.

[@Dan-yw7sy]

Very neat video! I love how he explains all the intracasies of the little parts..

[@Deraco1]

Ive watched a number of videos and thinking to myself "I wonder if he'd put his commodities back in his laundry draw after use" without washing haha!

[@speedkar99]

+Deraco1 Yea, what he doesn't know won't hurt him.

[@kaapuutt]

Man you should be professor, awesome dude

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. Alot of people say I should be a teacher

[@user-cd5dt4lf2l]

you are our Hero, such a explaining expert you are

[@Ensource]

simple, direct, and to the point. good vision of the part and analysis. thanks!!!!

[@user6860]

Lol you alaways use your brothers things to clean your car parts😂

[@speedkar99]

+TFAY Productions hey they're easily available. Its not like he needs them right?

[@iPervy]

Yea! Speedkar is always making proper use of his bro's toothbrush and underwear in video form! But.. when was the last time you've seen his bro actually brush his teeth or even wear underwear? Hah nevar!

[@speedkar99]

+iPervy its true. He rarely brushes his teeth or changes undies. That's to my benefit hehe

[@user-eo1vb1mt4e]

😅

[@brettb.7425]

Nice video man. Very educational. However, I’m glad I live in the south where vehicles don’t rust as badly due to road salt. Take care and God bless!

[@speedkar99]

Yea rust is a big issue up here in Canada

[@EmilEonoe]

I hope your Brother is grateful for the plug and airtime. Informative video, thanks.

[@speedkar99]

He sure is

[@AEnythingWerks]

you had me subscribing at " And it's invisible right now because it went flying and I lost it..."

[@girlperson1]

Educational and hysterical. Thanks for sharing.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@gt9003]

Very well explained and demonstrated. Thank you.

[@xXDanielSilva559Xx]

Thank you for explaining the pressure check valve. Watched alot of videos and the visual aid you used definitely helped

[@tjgobbo5953]

Thank you for making such wonderfully detailed straight to the point video! Subscribed immediately!!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks for subscribing

[@Davidsavage8008]

Just when you became a master mechanic, the industry goes electric. Hahahahaha just electricians hahaha Great minds are a dying breed ....

[@eddiepires3998]

Short, concise and very clear. great video

[@speedkar99]

Thats my style

[@AlwysBanned]

This guy is great in all aspects.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@hazaqames477]

Very well done. Clear and concise. Enjoyed the humor too!

[@speedkar99]

Thank you

[@theravedaddy]

Yeah spot on, i subbed. Meanwhile ive just stripped my pump and its exactly the same except no parts went invisible.....yet. i only took the bus in to get the steering belt adjusted cos i was too lazy to crawl under it. The garage managed to snap the steel high pressure line off, they welded it back on n now my powersteering doesnt work....welcome to thailand!

[@speedkar99]

Ouch

[@makantahi3731]

after your video , i knew that i had right when i tought that is very important to have ps fluid as clean as possible-there are many surfaces that are in direct touch and slip one to other and if fluid is dirt it acts as sandpaper

[@speedkar99]

Yes. Clean fluid is important

[@gerardogonzalezpalero1999]

I love your videos man! That slight sense of humor you add, makes laugh to the end!

[@speedkar99]

+Gerardo González Palero Glad you enjoy them, though what's so funny?

[@MuhammadAli-np4xi]

It is a very informational and funny video. I laugh even more when I read the comments about your brother's socks and toothbrush.

[@speedkar99]

Haha Definitely need that for wipe things up

[@babarameen9713]

I opened one of my Pathfinder and I didn't know what to do next so I just changed it with another one🥺 thanks for the video.? Another pump gone in a scrap

[@mrblack61]

Wow, im giving this a like for the snow before ive even seen the video, top man! Edit:- 0:58 Lmao, the spring commentary was 100% pure comedy gold! 8)

[@speedkar99]

Love it...thanks! Yeah I work through the winter ...Canada eh

[@dhanasekarpachiappan3761]

Thanks a lot for all your great videos Buddy :-) I am interested in fixing my own car and your videos intrigued me a lot compared to other videos out there on the same subject. you rock :)

[@speedkar99]

+Dhanasekar Pachaiyappan I'm glad it inspired you :)

[@SinisterBlackShadow]

Excellent description. Thanks for the video!

[@speedkar99]

Welcome

[@stelly8888]

Good explanation...can't be said better..well done .

[@speedkar99]

Thanks! Any other videos you'd like to see in this style?

[@Dope.And.Pretty]

Laughed out loud at the brothers sock

[@robertorochamartinsrocha7041]

Very very good video, as the ,ajority of your videos. Thanks a lot.

[@speedkar99]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@simpleonlineearning8378]

what a nice briefing

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@fotomedia1]

Good thing he used his Brother's sock, and I think it's his Brother's tooth brush too.

[@hawerddolbee1278]

Awesome way to put that down I have a power steering leak too

[@speedkar99]

Replace that pump

[@nipunmadusanka101]

very good explained

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@34ofaninchofbrain80]

That was very informative straight to the point and clearly understandable 👍 I hope your brother's sock washed out ok. Thanks

[@josephshultz6726]

thanks man, great video

[@todaytech6940]

What the funny.....all over world mechanics using brush as toothbrush...😁😁😁😁😁 1:49

[@speedkar99]

Haha!

[@TangodownNZ]

“My brother’s sock”😂 Very good video. 🙏

[@lucianosimmons3003]

Great informative video sir. Thank you for your time! If i could suggest maybe slowing it down a little bit in the future. It could just be me as a newbie to this but It was a lot of information very quickly. Again, great vid. Have an awesome day!

[@veljko100able]

As expected from speedkar. Perfect

[@speedkar99]

+Healow glad you liked it! Thanks

[@mtrcycrdr]

Thank you for the informative video. I can now guess what is wrong with the power steering pump. Unfortunately getting rebuild parts for the pump is difficult. If i dont have to submit a core i will disassemble and play. Once again, thank you.

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

When your brother tries to find the mate to his sock tell him the dryer ate it. Lol

[@vivmcdaugherty5692]

Very good video, thankyou

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@wholeNwon]

Best wishes for the Holiday Season.

[@unclesesi5559]

This pump reminds me of the roratry engine... Same compression principle. I wonder which came first? And whether one was an inspiration for the other!

[@speedkar99]

It sure does resemble a rotary

[@livenfree]

Thank you so much! Amazing that human beings are able to develop such a complex yet simple way to help with turning wheels. Yet, we believe that the incredibly way more complex human body happened by chance. Anyways, thank you so much for this video and you really cracked me up when you said I'll wipe this off with my brother's sock! 😂

[@lukebrinsmead]

Great video 👏👏👏

[@speedkar99]

Thank you 👍

[@blackgride9930]

brothers sock, and a tooth brush to point lmao...perfect video tho thanks sharing.

[@speedkar99]

+Lester A. Ordoñez your welcome. Feel free to check out more!

[@pyromaniac354]

Damn bro,has your brother got any clothes left lol

[@speedkar99]

Nah he doesn't need them

[@WorkerBeesUnite]

Subscribing just because you used your brothers sock instead of your own. You are a gangster in action

[@robertsipe6370]

Great explanation

[@petripat5979]

Great and whats even better is that I own a corrolla too great vid thanks have a nice holiday and nice Christmas and new year

[@speedkar99]

+pétri pat thanks

[@speedkar99]

+B Dertien thanks ! Feel free to check out my other videos for more

[@inev5341]

Could you do a video on transfer cases and how they work? PS: I don't mean to be demanding but if you get the opportunity to and have time, please do.

[@speedkar99]

+Inev that would be good if I had access to one. Corolla didn't come with one

[@jayatissapeiris6781]

Good explanation.

[@carloshnunez]

Good video by the way the pump is made I guess it have a one direction rotation

[@hpt08]

So that's why it was making a terrible racket when I ran the engine without nearly enough fluid. Some foam in the reservoir too. Solved by letting it rest overnight and adding fluid.

[@speedkar99]

That sounds like it was running dry and air was getting inside the system. Check the o-rings

[@hpt08]

@@speedkar99 I was installing a replacement steering rack. Must have had a bit of air in the lines and in the rack.

[@hpt08]

@@speedkar99 I should have read the manual: 🚘Fill the reservoir to the bottom of the filler neck. 🚘Wait for any air to escape and top up again. 🚘 Without the engine running, turn from lock to lock two or three times, topping up to the maximum level on the dip reservoir stick. 🚘 Start the engine and immediately top up as air is vented. 🚘 With the engine idling, turn lock to lock two or three times, topping up to the maximum level on the reservoir dip stick. 🚘When no further change of fluid level occurs, run the engine for twenty minutes to vent any remaining air. 🚘 If possible, allow the vehicle to stand for thirty minutes before restarting the engine to vent any further air. 🚘 Note that air in the fluid can temporarily result in PAS pump noise, but this will not cause damage. The time allowances mentioned in the above procedures are to reduce the possibility of a customer collecting a vehicle while still subject to excessive pump noise.

[@ken432111]

Thank you very much for this video. Learned a lot and also had to laugh at your brother's sock😎Keep up the good work!😎

[@blu8201]

Your videos are awesome. So clear and direct.

[@speedkar99]

+Blah Blah thanks I'm glad you like them

[@pdubs7831]

Thankyou !

[@livenfree]

Would like to have you go over what usually goes wrong with them? Seems like a lot of things could go wrong if those two little holes got plugged up with debris. Now you've got an issue! I have little black pieces of rubber in my reservoir screen. Where do you think that's coming from?

[@EGMATV1]

Thanks for good info!!!

[@user-cd5dt4lf2l]

I liked your videos and I am a subscriber

[@robbflynn4325]

Great explanation. All I know is mine is leaking so I'm going to replace it.

[@speedkar99]

You can rebuild it with new seals but I don't think it is worth it

[@robbflynn4325]

@@speedkar99 yeah it's a 5sfe engine with 230,000 miles. Prices for replacements are pretty reasonable, around the $100 to $150 range so will replace the whole unit.

[@barebonesgarage7624]

I'm sure someone said this already but I'm gonna say it anyway...,.....is that ur brothers toothbrush as well? Poor brother. Lol seriously though, really good video! This was exactly what I wanted to know. Thank u!!!

[@speedkar99]

Yes it is

[@petakyahbuckley]

Is it just me or is this guy funny😂😂

[@speedkar99]

I sure am!

[@DuckMallard11]

Brilliant. Thank you for this video.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@jamesbarratt593]

As you were speaking I’d sworn I recall hearing your voice before somewhere. Then as you’d referred to your brothers sock, BAMM. The memory came surging back. In the past im sure you were using your brothers underpants.

[@dsingthermals6931]

I wonder how stop leak would damage the power steering pump maybe just the blades cannot move in and out anymore for some reason they get stuck

[@speedkar99]

The seals on the rack are more prone to damage.

[@TomNelsoninCowtown]

Excellent pace and editing, clearly explained and illustrated. Props to you sir! My wife’s Kia uses a hydraulic assist rack. Presently the steering wheel “wobbles” slightly at about 2 hertz when returning the wheel to center. It’s noticeably better at COLD ambient temps below -15C. It is NOT related to the vehicle speed. No accidents contributed; it gradually appeared over a year. PS Fluid drained/replaced twice with Lucas PS conditioner. U-Joints between steering wheel and rack have been lubricated. Any ideas? Thanks in advance ... and kudos again for your valuable contributions to the DIY community!

[@speedkar99]

+TomNelsoninCowtown thanks I'm glad you appreciate my work. If your rotary valve is leaking it could cause the wobble, otherwise check steering rack bushings and tires.

[@TomNelsoninCowtown]

Thanks for the reply! More ways to spend my "free" time! Take Care!

[@penguinistas]

excellent. thank you

[@seyibale]

Wow! Great explanation. You are super amazing. Thank you!

[@shiv99999]

You sound alot like ChrisFix, great video btw!

[@speedkar99]

+Shivanshu ParmAr why do you say that? I am very different

[@BPoweredLove]

@@speedkar99 I think he's coming from the vantage of a non English-speaker (as first language) plus he's also comparing styles of pointing to things while always staying behind the camera. Ultimately, I think he's complimenting you because both you and Chris are good, but you explain how the actual items work from a design/engineering perspective.