Parts for your 2021 Toyota Land cruiser-Power steering pump

2021 Toyota LandCruiser power‑steering pump: fitted or not?

For the 2021 LandCruiser 300 Series, a traditional hydraulic power‑steering pump is not used. Toyota’s own technical material for the LC300 launch (Toyota Global Newsroom, June 2021) confirms the adoption of Electric Power Steering (EPS), and the Australian and New Zealand specification guides for the 2021 LandCruiser 300 list “Electric Power Steering” rather than a hydraulic system. That move eliminates the belt‑driven power‑steering pump, associated hoses and fluid.

There is a nuance for the model year. The outgoing LandCruiser 200 Series—sold in Australia and New Zealand up to 2021—retained a hydraulic setup with a conventional power‑steering pump. So: a 2021‑plated LC200 has a pump, a 2021 LC300 does not.

Why did Toyota drop the pump on the LC300? EPS makes sense for durability, efficiency and driver‑assist tech. With EPS, the steering assist is provided by an electric motor at the rack, so there’s no belt load on the engine and no fluid to leak or overheat on long, rough tracks.

• Efficiency: removing a belt‑driven pump reduces parasitic drag, helping fuel economy and responsiveness.
• Capability: EPS integrates with systems like Lane Tracing Assist and stability control, and pairs neatly with the LC300’s E‑KDSS suspension for improved on‑ and off‑road control.
• Reliability and serviceability: fewer hoses and seals, no fluid flushes, and less risk of aeration or pump whine after deep‑water crossings.

What does this mean for servicing? On an LC300, there’s no power‑steering fluid to top up and no pump to replace. Workshops instead focus on steering‑rack boots, tie‑rod ends, alignment, and checking for play or noise over corrugations. Because EPS depends on the vehicle’s electrical system, a healthy battery and charging system are important—especially if the vehicle runs plenty of accessories. Software updates and calibration checks after suspension work are also worth noting. For owners of a late‑run LC200 (also badged 2021 in some cases), the usual hydraulic pump care still applies: keep an eye out for fluid weeps, belt condition, and groans at full lock after long kilometres.

FAQs

Does the 2021 LandCruiser 300 have a power‑steering pump?
No. The 2021 LC300 uses Electric Power Steering, which doesn’t need a hydraulic pump, lines or fluid. This change was outlined in Toyota’s LC300 launch technical notes and appears on local ANZ spec sheets as “EPS”.

How can someone tell if their 2021 LandCruiser is an LC200 or LC300 for steering parts?
Badge and engine are quick giveaways. The LC300 debuted with a 3.3‑litre twin‑turbo V6 diesel (and new body and interior), while the LC200 finished with a 4.5‑litre V8 diesel. If it’s an LC200, it has a hydraulic pump, if it’s an LC300, it doesn’t.

Is there power‑steering fluid to change on a 2021 LC300?
No. With EPS there’s no hydraulic fluid. Routine checks focus on the steering rack, tie‑rods, wheel alignment and the vehicle’s electrical health. It’s a simpler maintenance picture than the old hydraulic setup.