Where is the part number on a power steering pump?
The part number is typically stamped on the pump housing or attached to a metal tag, making it possible to order the exact replacement or a compatible remanufactured unit. Exact locations vary by manufacturer and vehicle, but there are reliable spots to check first. This guide explains where to look, what to do if you can’t find the number, and how to verify compatibility before you buy.
In many vehicles, the power steering pump includes a stamped or labeled identifier on the housing, near the pulley, or on a small metal tag. If the stamp is hard to read or the tag is missing, you’ll want to broaden your search to alternate surfaces and official catalogs. The goal is to capture a precise OEM or aftermarket part number to avoid ordering the wrong component.
Where to look on the pump
Different manufacturers place the part number in different places. Here are the most common locations to inspect on the pump itself.
Front-face stamping on the housing
- Check the flat front surface of the pump housing near the pulley or mounting bosses for a series of numbers and/or letters.
- Look for a stamped casting number that may be two to five digits plus letters indicating the model or revision.
- Clean the surface to improve visibility if dirt or grease obscures the characters.
Front-face markings are the most reliable for quickly identifying the exact pump model and compatible replacement.
Back or side surfaces
- Inspect the sides of the pump, especially around the mounting flange or bracket attachment points.
- Some models place the part number along the edge of the casting or near the outlet port.
- Use a flashlight to reveal shallow etching that may be hard to see in normal light.
Secondary surfaces can carry the number when the front is obscured by brackets or hoses.
Tags, labels, or reservoir markings
- Look for a small metal tag riveted to the body or a sticker affixed to the pump or reservoir bracket.
- Reservoir caps or the reservoir body itself may have a label with the part number or a barcode linking to the correct pump.
- Some labels are printed in fine font and may require cleaning or light angle to read.
Tags and labels are common on aftermarket remanufactured pumps and can provide a quick cross-reference.
What to do if the number isn’t immediately visible
If you don’t find a legible number on the pump itself, use these steps to identify the correct part.
- Photograph the pump from multiple angles, including the front, sides, and where hoses attach, to capture all potential markings.
- Consult the vehicle’s service manual or a reputable parts catalog using the car’s year, make, model, engine, and VIN for precise cross-referencing.
- Search online catalogs (OEM dealer sites, RockAuto, NAPA, AutoZone, etc.) with any visible numbers or with the vehicle details to locate the matching pump model.
- If you still can’t locate a number, contact a dealer or remanufacturer with the vehicle details and photos to obtain the correct part number.
This approach helps ensure you don’t purchase an incompatible pump, especially on vehicles with multiple pump variants or fixed pulley configurations.
How to verify you have the correct pump
Once you’ve identified a candidate part number, confirm fitment and compatibility with these checks.
- Match the exact OEM or remanufactured part number to your vehicle’s specifications, using VIN and engine details as needed.
- Compare mounting holes, bracket shape, and the pulley configuration to your current pump, ensuring the same pulley size and alignment.
- Verify inlet and outlet port locations and sizes to ensure hoses and fittings will connect properly.
- Check for the same reservoir capacity, cap type, and any integrated sensors or pressure relief features your system requires.
These checks help prevent ordering errors and ensure the replacement will operate correctly within your steering system.
Summary
In most cars, the power steering pump’s part number is stamped on the housing, but it can also appear on a tag or the reservoir area. If the number isn’t visible, methodically photograph the pump, consult manuals and catalogs, and cross-reference with VIN-based data. Always verify mounting, port locations, and pulley configuration to ensure a proper fit before purchasing or installing the pump.
How do I know what type of power steering I have?
If it has a power steering fluid reservoir then it's hydraulic. Electric doesn't use hydraulic fluid.
Where is the part number on a steering gear box?
ZF / Robert Bosch Steering gears have the part number on a small aluminium tag. The tag is fixed to the steering gear housing on also on the end opposite to the input shaft.
Are all power steering pumps the same?
Are Power Steering Pumps Interchangeable? In a word: no. Because no two cars are the same, each model will have a unique power steering pump corresponding to its specific engine setup. So, if you have a Toyota HiAce, you can't swap out the power steering pump for a Mazda 3 equivalent.
How to know pump number?
The nameplate features a tag, often a distinct metal plate, sometimes a sticker, that contains crucial data about the pump, including the serial number, the manufacturer's name, the pump's production date, and technical specifications for pressure ratings, flow capacities, and power requirements.
