Where Is the Power Steering Pump in a Honda Pilot?

On 2003–2015 Honda Pilots with hydraulic power steering, the power-steering pump is mounted high on the passenger (right) side of the engine, driven by the serpentine belt; on 2016 and newer Pilots, there is no power-steering pump because the vehicle uses electric power steering. In earlier models, you’ll find a belt-driven pump with two hoses attached; in later models, steering assist comes from an electric motor on the rack, eliminating the pump and fluid reservoir entirely.

Model-Year Differences That Determine Whether a Pump Exists

The exact answer depends on the Pilot’s generation. Use the breakdown below to identify what your vehicle has and where to look under the hood.

• 2003–2008 (1st generation, 3.5L J35 V6, hydraulic PS): Pump sits at the front accessory drive, high on the passenger/right side of the engine bay. It has a round pulley and connects to a translucent fluid reservoir via a return hose and to the steering rack via a high-pressure line.
• 2009–2015 (2nd generation, 3.5L J35 V6, hydraulic PS): Same layout as 1st gen—upper passenger/right side, belt-driven. The reservoir is nearby and the pump is typically the uppermost accessory on that side.
• 2016–2022 (3rd generation, electric power steering/EPS): No hydraulic pump or reservoir. Assist is provided by an electric motor on the steering rack, located low behind the engine/subframe.
• 2023–present (4th generation, EPS): No hydraulic pump or reservoir; same EPS architecture as the prior generation.

If your Pilot is 2015 or older, look for a belt-driven unit with hoses; if it’s 2016 or newer, you won’t find a pump because the steering is electrically assisted.

How to Find the Pump Under the Hood (2003–2015)

If your Pilot has hydraulic power steering, these visual cues will help you pinpoint the pump quickly and confidently.

• Passenger/right side high mount: Stand at the front of the vehicle; the pump is high on the right side of the engine bay, attached to the engine’s accessory bracketry.
• Belt-driven pulley: Look for a small round pulley driven by the serpentine belt. The pulley face usually has openings/holes you can see through.
• Two hoses attached: A thick, crimped high-pressure line runs down toward the steering rack; a softer rubber return hose runs to a small, translucent plastic reservoir with a cap labeled for power-steering fluid.
• Near the reservoir: The reservoir is typically mounted close by on the passenger side; tracing the short return hose from the reservoir leads you right to the pump inlet.
• Above the alternator: On the J35 V6, the alternator sits lower; the power-steering pump is typically the uppermost front accessory on that side.

These identifiers distinguish the pump from other accessories like the alternator (with heavy electrical cables) or A/C compressor (mounted low with refrigerant lines).

Access Notes and Common Mistakes

Knowing where the pump is helps with inspection and service, but a few practical points can prevent confusion or unnecessary work.

• Engine off and cool: Always locate and inspect with the engine off; belts and pulleys can be hazardous when running.
• Don’t confuse with EPS models: If you can’t find a reservoir or hoses—and your Pilot is 2016 or newer—you have EPS, not a missing pump.
• Check for leaks correctly: On hydraulic models, dampness around the pump shaft, hose crimps, or reservoir hoses can indicate leaks; on EPS models, any fluid leak comes from another system (e.g., engine oil, coolant, or A/C condensate).
• Belt routing matters: If servicing, note the serpentine-belt routing and tensioner location; misrouting can cause charging or cooling issues.

A quick visual confirmation of hoses and the reservoir will tell you whether you’re dealing with a hydraulic pump or an EPS system with no hydraulic components.

Why Newer Pilots Don’t Have a Pump

Starting with the 2016 model year, Honda transitioned the Pilot to electric power steering. EPS replaces the belt-driven hydraulic pump and fluid circuit with an electric motor on the steering rack. The change reduces parasitic engine load, improves fuel economy, and cuts maintenance by eliminating power-steering fluid and common hydraulic leak points.

Shared Layout Across Honda’s J-Series V6

For 2003–2015 Pilots that share Honda’s J-series 3.5L V6 architecture with vehicles like the Odyssey and Accord V6 of similar years, the pump’s position is broadly similar: high on the passenger/right side, belt-driven, near the reservoir and high-pressure line.

Summary

Location depends on model year: 2003–2015 Pilots use a hydraulic pump mounted high on the passenger/right side of the engine, driven by the serpentine belt and plumbed to a nearby reservoir; 2016 and newer Pilots use electric power steering and have no hydraulic pump or reservoir. If you see a belt-driven unit with two hoses on the right side, that’s your pump; if you don’t see hoses or a reservoir on a later model, it’s EPS by design.

Where is my power steering pump located?

This is how you can kind of narrow. Down where it is is wherever your serpentine belt is your power steering pump is going to be on that side of the vehicle. Whether it be the front of the vehicle.

How much does it cost to replace a power steering pump on a Honda Pilot?

The average cost for a Honda Pilot Power Steering Pump Replacement is between $703 and $1,089. Labor costs are estimated between $145 and $213 while parts are priced between $558 and $876. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Does Honda Pilot have power steering fluid?

Your Honda Pilot will be happy to know that the search for the right Power Steering Fluids you’ve been looking for is over! Advance Auto Parts has 3 different Power Steering Fluids for your vehicle, ready for shipping or in-store pick up.

How do I know if my power steering pump is blown?

To diagnose a bad power steering pump, listen for whining or groaning noises when turning the steering wheel, and check for stiff or difficult steering, especially at low speeds. Inspect the power steering fluid for low levels, contamination (like metal flakes), or a foamy appearance, and look for fluid leaks under your vehicle near the pump or hoses. A high-pitched squeal upon startup can also indicate a slipping drive belt, a symptom of a failing pump.
 
Listen for Noises

• Whining or Groaning: Unusual noises, particularly at low speeds or when turning the wheel, can signal a worn-out pump, air in the system, or a failing pump pulley. 
• Squealing Belt: A high-pitched squeal upon starting the engine or during sharp turns can indicate a slipping or worn-out drive belt, which is often connected to the power steering pump. 

Check the Steering Feel 

• Stiff or Heavy Steering: . Opens in new tabIf it becomes increasingly difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially at lower speeds, the pump may not be generating enough hydraulic pressure. 
• Jerky or Unresponsive Steering: . Opens in new tabA malfunctioning pump can cause uneven or unpredictable steering, with the wheel feeling jerky or slow to respond. 

Inspect the Power Steering Fluid 

• Low Fluid Level: . Opens in new tabCheck the fluid reservoir; a significantly low level can indicate a leak or pump issue. 
• Contaminated Fluid: . Opens in new tabDirty fluid, discolored fluid, or fluid containing metal flakes suggests the pump’s internal components are wearing out. 
• Foamy Fluid: . Opens in new tabA foamy appearance indicates air in the system, often caused by a leak or a failing pump. 

Look for Leaks 

• Fluid Leaks: Inspect the area around the power steering pump and along the hoses for any spots or puddles of light-colored power steering fluid.

If you notice any of these signs, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage or unsafe driving conditions.