Can power steering pump go bad sitting in the shop for engine replacement or could the mechanic have damaged it during engine replacement?

The lines. you have 2.
high pressure and low pressure. combined, they cost around $400 at dealers but can be found cheaper online.
labor at a shop to replace both lines calls for 2.3 hours, so you will pay their cost per hour of labor.
plus shop fees and tax. (fees cover shop supplies like fluid, gloves, etc)
If the problem is the power steering pump itself, the average cost at shops for the part is $450 (part only) plus 1.6 hours of labor.

if the issue is the steering rack itself, you can find that part online for $350 on average.
If you just let the shop order the steering rack, they may hit you for $1,200-$1,400 just for the part, and labor times for that job is 4.2 hours.

Please note, the link I have attached may notbe the correct part for your toyota. You would have to search for the correct vehicle.
include engine size and other required info like "Toyota camry LE, 2.5L, front wheel drive"
Hope this helps.
2005 Toyota Highlander Power Steering Rack

Do you have return hose fluid coming back to pump?

Sounds like a it isn't getting thru the rack to operate it

Check bulletins on Alldata or Identifix

There may be spool defect issues or something in rack

If you had advance do the pump.how would they or you
as a mechanic, leave the shop with no fix for the problem

sounds like you need to replace the power steering pump,of not overheating or loosing coolant,would check water pump,if no power steering sonds like the pump is bad,mechanic depepnding on their ability could change for you,up to you if you want to pay a shop to replace pump.

I would think that the shop would have seen a problem with the belt, but you never know. You might think of that when you consider the oil use, my best guess is that whom ever rebuilt the engine installed the piston rings up side down. That would make it use the oil. The power steering fluid must be leaking and could be many things but sense you just had the engine out I would look around the lines were they attach to the pump, also some times there will be some oil use after an overhaul until the piston rings seat but this seams like to much oil use for that better go have a long talk with your shop...

Hi. Your power steering pump hoses are closed looped. They run from the pump assembly to the reservoir.They do not run to any of your oil lines. Now, with that said, i would recommend to inspect your assembly for possible leaks. This is a high pressure setup that will produce leaks during hose or clamp failure. The reservoir can crack as well. This will cause fluid to leaks on the engine block or exhaust manifold, thus, causing the white smoke or burn off affect. Use the procedure below to inspect for possible loose hoses or compromised pump seals and reservoir issues.



Once you have staged your vehicle in a safe place, open the hood and locate your power steering system on your vehicle. The easiest way is to follow the part of the steering column assembly that goes through the firewall. Follow the components connected to the steering column all the way to the wheel assemblies and hoses connected to the power steering pump and reservoir. Attempt to scrub wet and dirty components around the steering system, using shop rags if the leak source is not readily apparent. Now,start the engine, rotating the steering wheel all the way from left to right several times to increase system pressure in the pump and hoses. Turn off the engine and inspect the system from the engine compartment, using a flashlight preferably. In some cases, you might have to wait one or two days for the leak to reveal itself . Next, check around the power steering pump, for possible cracks. If you find fluid around the pump case, the case is damaged and should be replaced. Some pumps are equipped with internal seals that may be replaced when necessary. Also, look around the reservoir and make sure it is in good condition. A cracked reservoir must be replaced as well.

Now, look around all fittings and hoses. A loose fitting cannot contain the high pressure in the system. Tighten clamps using a Phillips or flathead screwdriver or ratchet and socket, depending on the type of fitting or clamp used in your system. Additionally, check along the hoses for cuts. If possible, run your fingers along the length of the hose to find hidden wet spots. A hose leaking somewhere along the middle will have to be replaced. If the gash is very close to the end of the hose, you might be able to cut off the damaged part and reconnect the hose to the component. You will also need to Check the metal lines connecting the steering gear assembly to other components. A ruptured metal line must be replaced.

Lastly; Inspect completely around the rubber boots located between the ends of the steering gear assembly and the arms linking the assembly to the wheels. If fluid is leaking at either end, then the seals at the ends of the steering gear assembly will need to be replaced. If necessary, raise the front end of the vehicle using a floor jack and support it on jack stands or ramps. Once the vehicle is safely supported, inspect the steering gear assembly more closely to see if it is in good or bad condition . Make sure you check all the ares above for possible leaks or loose connections before replacing the entire pump.

Your mechanics are either stupid or are playing stupid. Its to raise the idle speed when there is high power steering pressure. Like when you turn the steering wheel, the pressure goes up, and it raises the engine idle speed. Find one in a junkyard, They have U-Pull IT yards around here, you can get one cheap.

The power steering is actually ELECTRIC steering on this car Most common and basically only failure is 2 30 amp fuses in under hood fuse block Only other thing is mechanical and would set a trouble code and sat power steering on your dash. FYI. Jump Starting your car from the +- Terminals found near the FUSE box under the hood, will Blow the Fuses for the Power Steering. Always Jump start your car from the Battery Terminals in the Trunk

Locate the power steering pump and hoses on your vehicle. The power steering pump is located at the front of your engine, near the top of the motor. It will have a black fill cap on it that is labeled "power steering fluid."
1)Clean the outside of the pressurized power steering pump hoses and the power steering pump with clean shop rags to remove any oil deposits. Check the exterior of the lines to identify any signs of steering fluid leakage.
2)Start the motor and turn your steering wheel back and forth several times to cause the pressure in the steering pump to build up. Turn the engine off and recheck the hoses for fluid leaks. Examine the power steering pump for any signs of cracks or damage. If your power steering pump is damaged you need to replace it with a new pump by removing the bolts that hold the pump onto the bracket, taking the pump belt off the pulley and disconnecting the hoses. Replace the power steering pump by reattaching the hoses with a screw clamp and attaching the pump to the bracket. Place the belt around the pump pulley and apply pressure by pulling back on the pump and tightening the belt by using a socket wrench to tighten the bolt on the bracket. You can find a power steering pump for your vehicle at your local automotive.
3)Check the fittings and clamps for any signs of wear or leakage and tighten any loose clamps with a screwdriver. Inspect the hose leading from the power steering pump back into the firewall that leads to the steering wheel. If you find that a leak has developed in the power steering hose that leads to the steering column, consult a mechanic or take your vehicle to a local service center and have an inspection done.
4)Remove damaged power steering hoses by taking the cap off of the power steering pump and then unscrewing the clamp on the hose. Recover draining power steering fluid by placing a clean container below the hose or power steering pump when you loosen the hoses and allow the fluid to drain into the container.
5)Repair power steering hoses where the damaged area is close to the end of the hose by trimming off the affected area with a utility or sharp knife and reattaching the hose with a screw clamp by tightening the clamp with a screwdriver. For damage that is in the middle of the hose or near a section that can't be repaired, replace the hose with a power steering hose that can be purchased from any automotive supply store in your area or online at an automotive supply website, such as the ones listed below in the resources section, and connect the new hose to the power steering pump with a screw clamp.
6)Fill the power steering pump to the proper level with power steering fluid and replace the cap. Start the vehicle motor to test the system. Once you have verified that the power steering system is working properly, shut off the engine.
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try changing the power steering oil, if you can access one of the hoses and disconnect one to drain, refil and try again, there are additives thet clean and lubricate as well

check for a loose belt. Make sure the A/C is off and the key should have noassociation to or with it.

It very possible that the new power steering pump is defective. I would take it back for a possible warranty issue.

I'm confused about the part where the water pump damaged the power steering pump. The power steering pump doesn't require any cooling from the water pump. The power steering pump only needs the belt to run it properly.