1. Safety Precautions:
- Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery.
2. Draining the Power Steering Fluid:
- Locate the power steering fluid reservoir, which is usually a translucent container with a black cap.
- Remove the cap and insert a turkey baster or a fluid suction pump to extract as much fluid as possible.
- Dispose of the old fluid properly.
3. Removing the Power Steering Pump:
- Identify the power steering pump, which is typically mounted on the engine block near the front of the car.
- Locate the power steering pump mounting bolts and loosen them using a wrench.
- Once the bolts are loose, remove them completely.
- Gently pry the power steering pump away from the engine block, taking care not to spill any remaining fluid.
4. Disconnect Hydraulic Lines:
- Locate the two hydraulic lines connected to the power steering pump: the pressure line and the return line.
- Use a flare nut wrench to loosen and remove the hydraulic line fittings on both lines.
- Be prepared to catch any residual fluid that may leak from the lines.
5. Removing Belt Tensioner:
- Locate the power steering belt and its tensioner.
- Release the tension on the belt by loosening the tensioner pulley bolt using a wrench.
- Remove the power steering belt from the pulley.
6. Pump Installation:
- Place the new power steering pump in its original position and secure it with the mounting bolts.
- Reattach the hydraulic lines to the new pump, tightening the fittings securely.
- Install the power steering belt onto the pulley, making sure the belt is properly tensioned.
7. Refill and Bleed the System:
- Refill the power steering fluid reservoir with the recommended fluid.
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes while turning the steering wheel from left to right to bleed the air from the system.
- Check the fluid level in the reservoir and top it off if necessary.
8. Reconnect Battery:
- Reconnect the negative terminal of the car battery.
9. Test for Functional:
- Start the engine and test the power steering system to ensure it's working properly.
10. Check for Leaks:
- Visually inspect the area around the power steering pump and lines for any signs of leaks.
11. Dispose of Old Parts:
- Dispose of the old power steering pump and fluid according to local environmental regulations.
Note: Some Lexus ES-300 models may have slight variations in the procedure. It's recommended to consult the vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic if you're unsure about any steps.
