The power steering pump on your Mercury Villager functions by using a hydraulic pump system, driven by a belt to deliver pressurized fluid through the steering system, helping you to turn the wheels as you drive down the road. The Mercury Villager power steering pump is located on the left side as you are looking at your engine, near the back of the motor. You can replace the pump yourself in about 2 or 3 hours and get your car running efficiently.
Locate the power steering pump at the back of the Mercury Villager engine on the front passenger side of the engine. You will see the refill tube near the top of the engine that says "power steering fluid" on the cap.
Place the drain pan underneath the power steering pump on the ground and take the cap off the power steering refill tube. Detach the power steering hose that is attached to the power steering pump by undoing the screw clamp with a screwdriver.
Drain the power steering fluid from the pump and hose until it is completely drained into the pan. Loosen the power steering belt from the pulley by using a socket wrench to loosen up the bolt on the pump and take the belt off the pulley.
Detach the two power steering hoses that are attached to the power steering pump with a socket wrench and move the hoses out of the way. Remove the bolts that are securing the pump to the engine block.
Pull the power steering pump away from the engine block and clean the area around where the pump was sitting with a shop rag to remove any oil deposits or grease from around the pump area. Also clean the power steering hoses of any oil deposits with the rag.
Place the new power steering pump in position and place the belt around the pulley of the new power steering pump. Secure the pump to the engine block with bolts and pull back on the pump to give tension to the pump belt.
Reattach the power steering hoses with a socket wrench and screwdriver and verify that the hoses are secure. Refill the power steering pump fluid until it is at the proper level as indicated on the dipstick on the cap of the power steering pump.
Put the cap back on the pump when it is full and remove the drain pan from underneath the Mercury Villager. Dispose of the power steering fluid at your local recycling center or automotive supply center.
