The short answer is that it’s usually in the engine bay on vehicles with hydraulic power steering, driven by the serpentine belt and located near the front of the engine. Many newer cars use electric power steering and do not have a hydraulic pump at all.
Power steering pump placement depends on the vehicle layout, engine orientation, and the type of power steering system. This article explains the typical locations and how they differ between hydraulic systems and electric systems, so you can identify or replace the pump when needed.
Hydraulic power steering pump locations
Below is a list of common spots you’ll find the hydraulic power steering pump in most traditional systems. If a vehicle uses electric power steering, this list may not apply.
- Front of the engine bay, driven by the serpentine belt, usually on the passenger side near the timing cover or alternator.
- Mounted to the engine block or intake manifold, occasionally tucked under hoses or brackets.
- Beside the radiator support area, sometimes behind a shroud on certain models.
- On some rear- or four-wheel-drive vehicles, the pump sits low on the engine near the power steering reservoir.
In hydraulic systems, the pump is a compact unit connected to a reservoir and hoses that feed the steering gear or rack. If you can’t locate it, refer to the vehicle’s service manual for the exact year/model layout.
Electric power steering and other layouts
Many modern vehicles use electric power steering (EPS), which eliminates the traditional hydraulic pump. In EPS systems, the assist comes from an electric motor rather than a belt-driven pump, and the location can vary by design.
- Motor integrated into the steering column, often behind the dash or within a clock spring assembly on older designs.
- Motor mounted near the steering rack, providing direct assist to the gear.
- Some European or performance models place the EPS motor within the steering gear housing for compact packaging.
- In hybrids or fully electric vehicles, the system is typically EPS with no hydraulic fluid reservoir or pump at all.
With EPS, you won’t find a fluid reservoir or a belt-driven pump, and you’ll rely on electric control modules and sensors to provide steering assist.
What to check if you’re locating or replacing the pump
Use these steps to identify whether your car uses a hydraulic pump or EPS, and to locate the pump if present.
- Look for a power steering fluid reservoir labeled "P/S" and a belt-driven pulley connected to a hydraulic hose network.
- Inspect the serpentine belt routing diagram under the hood to see if a PS pump pulley is part of the belt system.
- If there is no reservoir and no belt-driven pulley for steering, the vehicle likely uses EPS.
Understanding the layout helps with diagnosing noises, leaks, or pump failures. If in doubt, consult the owner's manual or a dealership service department for your exact make/model year.
Summary
In summary, most hydraulic power steering pumps live in the engine bay and are belt-driven, while electric power steering eliminates the pump altogether, placing an electric motor near the steering mechanism. Locations vary by vehicle design, so checking the manual or consulting a professional is the best way to locate the exact pump or EPS motor for your car.
Does the Audi A5 have power steering fluid?
A5 3.0 TDI 245 quattro 8F (2007-2017) 09/11-12/17. A special synthetic oil based hydraulic fluid for power steering, central hydraulic and suspension level control systems.
How much does it usually cost to replace a power steering pump?
The average cost for power steering pump replacement is $842 to $941. Enter your vehicle's information to see how much it costs to replace your car's power steering pump in your local area.
How do I know if my power steering pump is blown?
And become hard to turn. So if that steering wheel is really hard to turn then that'll point to a power steering pump. Issue. Also sometimes you might see a leak underneath the vehicle.
Does Grease Monkey change power steering fluid?
Grease Monkey provides fluid exchange services for critical vehicle systems, including engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant (radiator fluid), brake fluid, and power steering fluid.