OEM 2001 Toyota Highlander Power Steering Pump

2001 Toyota Highlander Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to overhaul the power steering pump on 2001 Toyota Highlander?

  A: Power steering pump overhaul procedures start with removing the front wheel on the right-hand side followed by draining power steering fluid and uninstalling the front fender liner on the right-hand side and front fender apron seal on the right-hand side. Begin by using Special Service Tool: 09249-63010 to take off both the fan and generator V belt before disconnecting the oil reservoir to pump hose No.1 by removing its clip while keeping the V belt area clean. Use a spanner (27 mm) to maintain pressure port union stability as you remove the union bolt along with its gasket through the pressure feed tube assembly by disconnecting the oil pressure switch connector. Begin vane pump assembly removal by disconnecting the oil pressure switch followed by A bolt loosening using Special Service Tool: 09249-63010 and a deep socket (14 mm), then remove bolt B. Remove the power steering suction port union with its O-ring followed by the pressure port union with its O-ring and flow control valve accompanied by compression spring and ending with the oil pressure switch removal while being cautious to prevent it from dropping. Unscrew the four bolts on the vane pump housing rear and remove its O-ring before extracting the w/pulley shaft sub-assembly by pulling out the snap ring and shaft. The next task should remove the 10 vane plates together with the vane pump rotor and then move to the vane pump cam ring and vane pump side plate front. Both the side plate front and pump housing front O-rings need to be removed during this step. Extract the oil seal inside the vane pump housing using a screwdriver covered with vinyl tape at the tip then check the oil clearance with micrometer and caliper gauge but replace the vane pump assembly when the clearance measures beyond 0.07 mm (0.0028 inch). The assembled vane pump rotor and vane plates require height, thickness and length measurements which must be replaced if any dimension falls under minimum specifications. The free length measurement of the flow control valve compression spring must be checked to determine replacement needs when the measurement falls below 36.9 mm (1.453 inch). The pressure port union needs replacement if it exhibits any damage. Place the new oil seal into the vane pump shaft using Special Service Tools 09950-60010 (09951-00280) and 09950-70010 (09951-07100) with a press device while powdering its lip with power steering fluid. Before installation insert the side plate front along with new O-rings which receive power steering fluid coating before placing it properly. Then add the cam ring followed by w/pulley shaft sub-assembly and vane pump rotor with its inscribed mark positioned outward. The vane plates need a power steering fluid coating before installation with a new snap ring onto the vane pump shaft. Secure the vane pump housing rear by applying a new O-ring while aligning it with the cam ring and pump housing front and side plate front before tightening bolts to 22 Nm (220 kgf-cm, 16 ft. lbs.). Check the PS vane pump rotating torque while inspecting the specified service bolt to guarantee the torque level remains below 0.27 Nm (2.8 kgf-cm, 2.4 inch lbs.). The technician must install the oil pressure switch that features a fresh O-ring covered in power steering fluid and should torque it to 21 Nm (215 kgf-cm, 15 ft. lbs.). The technician must then place the flow control valve compression spring and flow control valve into position while these parts are coated in power steering fluid. Apply the pressure port union along with its new O-ring and torque it up to 69 Nm (700 kgf-cm, 51 ft. lbs.) and set the power steering suction port union with its new O-ring before torquing it to 12 Nm (120 kgf-cm, 9 ft. lbs.). Install the vane pump assembly by first tightening bolt A provisionally followed by bolting B to 43 Nm (440 kgf-cm, 32 ft. lbs.) and securing bolt A to 30 Nm (305 kgf-cm, 22 ft. lbs.) while using Special Service Tool: 09249-63010. The union bolt requires 51 Nm (520 kgf-cm, 38 ft. lbs.) torque while the power steering switch gets connected along with the pressure feed tube assembly fitted with its gasket. After connecting the oil reservoir to pump hose No. 1 and using Special Service Tool: 09249-63010 to install the fan and generator V belt, reassemble the front fender apron seal RH, front fender liner RH and front wheel RH by torquing the wheel to 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.). When the process is complete you should verify there are no power steering fluid leaks by bleeding out the fluid first.