What are two possible locations for a power steering pump reservoir?
Two common locations are built into the pump or a separate remote bottle mounted in the engine bay. Some vehicles use the pump-integrated reservoir, while others rely on a standalone reservoir that feeds the pump. This article explains how to recognize each setup and what it means for maintenance.
On-pump reservoir (built into the pump)
In some vehicles, the reservoir is integrated with the power steering pump itself; you won’t see a separate bottle. The cap may be labeled and the reservoir is part of the pump housing located near the front of the engine, often adjacent to the serpentine belt.
What to look for:
- Integrated design: The reservoir and pump share a single housing, with a cap on top of the pump.
- Identification cues: No separate plastic bottle; the unit is compact and located near the belt area of the engine.
- Maintenance notes: Refill via the pump cap; the correct fluid type is usually specified in the owner's manual; if the level is low, look for leaks around the pump.
- Pros/Cons: Compact and fewer hoses, but leaks can affect the pump directly and maintenance may require replacing the entire unit.
In short, when the reservoir is built into the pump, fluid access is through the pump cap, and service often involves the pump assembly rather than a standalone bottle.
Remote reservoir mounted in the engine bay
Another common layout is a separate plastic reservoir with its own cap and level markings, connected to the pump by hoses. This bottle is typically mounted in a more accessible spot in the engine bay, such as near the firewall or fenderwell, and is clearly labeled as the power steering fluid reservoir.
What to look for:
- Visual cues: A standalone translucent plastic bottle with a cap and level marks labeled "Power Steering Fluid."
- Location cues: Mounted in the engine bay, often on the driver or passenger side near the firewall or toward the wheel well.
- Maintenance cues: Check the fluid level on the bottle; top up with the recommended fluid to the proper marks; replace if contaminated; bleed lines if air is present in the system.
- Pros/Cons: Easier to service and monitor; uses hoses that can leak at fittings but is generally easier to refill without disassembling the pump.
For remote-reservoir setups, fluid level is easy to monitor and refills are performed via the separate bottle, without dismantling the pump.
Summary
Power steering reservoirs typically fall into two categories: an integrated reservoir built into the pump, and a separate remote reservoir mounted in the engine bay. Identifying which setup your vehicle uses helps with maintenance, fluid checks, and potential leaks. When in doubt, consult the owner's manual or a qualified technician to confirm the correct fluid type and refill procedure.
