Parts for your 2006 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Power steering pump

2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris power steering pump — is it there or not?

Short answer: a traditional hydraulic power steering pump isn’t fitted to the 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP90 series). That model uses a column‑assist Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, which does away with a belt‑driven hydraulic pump, hoses and fluid reservoir.

This isn’t guesswork. It’s backed by Toyota’s own technical material and parts listings for the NCP90/91/93 series:

• Toyota New Car Features (NCF) for the XP90 Vitz/Yaris describes a column‑type Electric Power Steering with a motor and ECU on the steering column.
• The Toyota Repair Manual for XP90 covers “Electric Power Steering (EPS)” diagnostics, torque sensor calibration and EPS ECU checks, not hydraulic pump service.
• The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (steering section) shows the column assembly with electric motor and the rack, but no power steering pump, fluid reservoir or pressure hoses for 2006 models.
• Owner’s maintenance information for this generation doesn’t list power steering fluid checks because there isn’t any to check.

Why Toyota ditched the pump on this model? A few very practical reasons:

• Efficiency and fuel economy: no belt‑driven load under the bonnet, so a tiny fuel saving every kilometre.
• Less servicing: no fluid, no leaks, no pump whine, no hose failures.
• Packaged smartly: the assist motor sits on the column, freeing space in the engine bay and making the rack simpler.
• Consistent feel: the EPS ECU can tailor assist with vehicle speed and steering input.

What should an owner or tech actually service instead? With EPS, the focus shifts a bit. At regular services (about every 10,000–15,000 km), it’s worth:

• Scanning the EPS for stored fault codes if the steering warning light has appeared, and performing torque sensor calibration if the steering feels off‑centre.
• Checking the 12V battery and charging system health, because low voltage can make EPS act up or cut assist.
• Inspecting the intermediate shaft/universal joints for play or binding, and the rack boots for splits.
• Verifying wheel alignment and tyre pressures, heavy steering is often low pressures, not an EPS fault.

If someone hears a “power steering pump” whine on a 2006 Vitz/Yaris, it’s more likely another accessory (alternator, idler/tensioner, or A/C compressor) or, less commonly, a faint EPS motor noise when stationary. There’s no hydraulic pump to fail unless the car’s been heavily modified with a non‑standard hydraulic setup, which is rare.

So, for the 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris crowd in Aus and NZ: no fluid to top up, no belt‑driven pump to replace. Keep the electricals healthy, the column and rack tidy, and the EPS will usually deliver years of drama‑free steering.

Does a 2006 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have a power steering pump?

No. The XP90‑series Vitz/Yaris runs a column‑assist Electric Power Steering system, so there’s no hydraulic pump, no reservoir and no hoses. Assist comes from an electric motor under the dash, managed by an EPS ECU.

If you’re chasing a steering noise, look at the belt drive, alternator or A/C, or check for EPS warnings rather than hunting for a non‑existent pump.

What steering maintenance should be done on a 2006 Vitz/Yaris?

There’s no power steering fluid service. Instead, check tyre pressures and alignment, inspect the intermediate shaft joints and rack boots, and make sure the 12V battery and charging system are healthy. If the EPS light shows, scan for codes and perform torque sensor or zero‑point calibrations as needed.

What are common EPS symptoms on this model?

Typical signs include an EPS warning lamp, intermittent heavy steering (often from low battery voltage), off‑centre feel after repairs, or a light clunk from a worn intermediate shaft joint. Proper diagnostics with a scan tool will point to voltage, motor, or sensor issues rather than any hydraulic fault.