Driving a vehicle use to be real work until the invention of a device that made driving a great deal more enjoyable. Prior to the invention of the power steering pump, turning a car around a corner was similar to trying to turn an 18-wheel truck. You could do it, but it definitely made driving more of a chore than a relaxing adventure. Your steering pump has a lot to do with a smooth, comfortable ride, and you want to keep the pump running efficiently. The power steering pump is easy to maintain and replace if necessary. Keep it operating normally and you will continue to enjoy those leisurely drives.
Allow your Hyundai Elantra to cool down before trying to remove the power steering pump. Locate the power steering pump on the driver's side of the motor, which is mounted in front of the engine, near the top. You will see a fill spout coming out of the pump with a cap on it that says "power steering fluid."
Spray WD-40 on the bolts that attach the power steering pump to the engine block to loosen up the nuts. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery with a socket wrench and crescent wrench.
Remove the cap from the power steering pump. Place the drain pan on the ground beneath the pump. Slowly loosen both power steering hoses from the pump with a crescent wrench and allow the fluid to drain into the pan.
Loosen the bolts that hold the power steering pump to the engine block with a socket wrench. Once the pump is loose, remove the belt from the pulley on the power steering pump. Remove the pump from the engine compartment.
Place the pump belt around the new power steering pump pulley and then attach the power steering pump to the engine block with a socket wrench.
Verify that the power steering belt has enough tension in it to operate the pump. If it does not, readjust the tension by loosening the bolt on the pulley. Move the pulley back on the tension adjuster and tighten the bolt.
Reattach the power steering hoses and verify they are secure. Fill the new power steering pump with fluid to the full line shown on the dipstick on the back of the cap for your power steering pump. Place the cap back on the power steering pump.
Reattach the negative battery cable to the battery. Turn the engine of your Hyundai Elantra on and verify there are no leaks in the power steering pump or hoses. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle and dispose of the fluid at your local recycling center or automotive supply store.
