OEM 2003 Toyota Celica Power Steering Pump

2003 Toyota Celica Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the power steering pump on 2003 Toyota Celica?

  A: The power steering pump requires maintenance by first conducting a PS vane pump rotating torque test to guarantee smooth operation without unusual sounds and maximum torque should be below 0.27 Nm (2.8 kgf-cm, 2.4 inch lbs.). Begin service and repair of the power steering pump by extracting the suction port union bolt and O-ring first before proceeding with the pressure port union and flow control valve and spring removal. Keep the O-ring from the pressure port union when removing it. Shear the oil pressure switch off the assembly with caution while keeping drops at a minimum then substitute the unit if it exhibits damage. Start by taking out the rear housing bolt together with the rear bracket and then move on to the four bolts of the rear housing before removing the O-ring. The procedure requires removal of the cam ring followed by the 10 vane plates and vane pump rotor while handling components carefully in order to remove two O-rings from the side plate. Remove the vane pump shaft together with its attached vane pump pulley. Apply the micrometer and caliper gauge for measuring vane pump shaft to bushing oil clearance; standard clearance must stay within 0.021 to 0.043 mm while maximum clearance should not exceed 0.07 mm (0.0008 to 0.0017 inch and 0.0028 inch, respectively). Frequent replacement of the front housing and vane pump shaft occurs when standards are broken. All dimensions on the vane pump rotor and vane plates must exceed minimum specifications of 7.6 mm (0.299 inch) height and 1.405 mm (0.0553 inch) thickness, and 11.993 mm (0.4722 inch) length. Inspect the vane pump rotor groove by measuring clearance with the vane plate to be less than 0.03 mm (0.0012 inch) because component replacement depends on the inscribed marks which can be 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4. To test the flow control valve start by applying power steering fluid onto the surface before checking its smooth entry into the hole. A test for leakage requires application of compressed air with no end-hole air release. The valve needs replacement when marked with letters from A to F. Verify that the spring free length measures at least 35.8 mm (1.409 inch) using vernier calipers for proper replacement if needed. Users can replace the oil seal using a vinyled screwdriver to extract it then use Special Service Tool: 09950-60010 (09951-00280), 09950-70010 (09951-07100) to press in the new seal correctly. During reinstallation use power steering fluid to coat all indicated components before installing the vane pump shaft together with the vane pump pulley while placing the side plate with two new O-rings that received fluid application into their proper dents. The cam ring should go into the assembly with the marked side facing outside while the vane pump rotor follows with the mark facing outwards until a new snap ring securely fastens it. Secure the 10 vane plates with round ends facing outward before coating a new O-ring with power steering fluid and installing it to the rear housing while aligning the straight pin with the dents and tightening four bolts to 22 Nm (220 kgf-cm, 16 ft. lbs.) followed by the rear bracket secured to 44 Nm (440 kgf-cm, 32 ft lbs.). The process begins by tightening the oil pressure switch to 21 Nm (210 kgf-cm) then adding the spring and flow control valve and pressure port union which requires correct valve orientation and new O-ring fluid coating before installation along with a 69 Nm (700 kgf-cm) torque. Install a new O-ring treated with power steering fluid to the suction port union then fasten it with a 12 Nm (120 kgf-cm, 9 ft. lbs.) torque to complete the procedure by measuring the PS vane pump rotating torque.