Power Steering pump replacement?

Tiny
EZEX
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 KIA SEDONA
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
My car got stuck in the snow. Eventually managed to push it out with a bunch of friends. But seems like I fried the power steering pump in the process. Didn't have a problem before. Maybe a very slow leak. Dead now. With slight whine every second or so. Quick short noise that's presumably from it. Hear it even at idle without cranking the wheel. Definitely dead? Anything to try first? Fluid was low. Must have been low before. Topped it off but didn't fix it. Was at the low mark. Not below that. If I have to replace it do you have the repair procedures for it?
Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 AT 4:05 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,877 POSTS
I would make sure the serpentine belt is in good shape first. If it is missing the power steering will not work. When the engine is running can you remove the power steering pump cap to see if the fluid is circulating? If not the pump has gone bad which is why the system is not working. Let me know what you find. Please upload a short video in your response of the problem, so I can see what's going on.
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Thursday, January 29th, 2026 AT 9:22 AM
Tiny
EZEX
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Belt looks fine. I'd maybe replace it at the same time because why not but looks OK. Car is driving fine otherwise so definitely not a belt issue. Don't love the reservoir design. Can't see for sure if the fluid is circulating. I see in the last picture on the right side some engine part is oily. What's that?
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Friday, January 30th, 2026 AT 6:36 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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The oily part looks like the valve cover so no worries there. Chances are when you when into the snow to jammed the rack and pinion and it needs to be replaced if you can see circulation inside the reservoir with the engine running. Thanks for the images, they help, if you are unsure of the fluid movement remove the cap and get a video of the fluid when the engine is running so I can see.
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Friday, January 30th, 2026 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
EZEX
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The rack and pinion has to be replaced? Not the pump?
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Friday, January 30th, 2026 AT 9:11 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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If see fluid circulating inside the fluid reservoir chances are the pump is okay and the rack is bad, yes.
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Friday, January 30th, 2026 AT 9:24 AM
Tiny
EZEX
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  • 58 POSTS
Only way to tell for sure is if I see fluid circulating in the reservoir? Assuming it's the pump what's the replacement procedure for this car?
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Monday, February 2nd, 2026 AT 6:23 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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It does not look to bad to remove the pump, first disconnect the battery, then remove the drive belt. Then the pressure and return lines and the mounting bolts for the pump and you should be able to get it out of there. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, February 2nd, 2026 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
EZEX
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Any idea if I have to go from the bottom? That's what I was trying to figure out. Might have to go behind the wheel or something.
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Monday, February 2nd, 2026 AT 9:45 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, remove the passenger side tire and possibly the inner wheel well plastic. This makes it much easier.
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Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 AT 3:40 PM

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