Thanks for pointing out the typo.

The pins on the pump are contained within a plastic part which receives the plug. This could fill up with water if it isn't sealed which would cause a short between the 2 pins which would presumably crack the fuse and cause instant failure of the power steering, or corrosion which would also cause issues.

What I'm keen to hear opinions on is if people think cutting off the plug and fitting spade connectors is likely to suffer with water ingress v cutting the plug off and soldering on a new plug.

Cheers

Don't know the layout of your pump, but is it in a place where it is very likely to get wet ? And might it be possible to clean up the contacts without fitting a new plug ? Might be done with something like an emery board, or trying to tighten the female part ?

I've had some apparent success with recessed contacts by cutting a bit of beercan (folded if necessary) to a fairly tight fit and working it in and out.

Felting needles can work too, since they have cuts in them (I assume designed to catch wool fibres) that give them the effect of a very fine file. Needs care though, since they are quite brittle, perhaps because the cuts are crack initiators, and getting a broken end wedged in a spade connector could be awkward.

Bamboo toothpicks are less aggressive but can work, since bamboo is quite high in silica. I suppose you could put small cuts in the bamboo felting needle stylee, though I havn't done this and you'd have to avoid weakening it too much.

Hypodermic needles can be useful, or standard sewing needles reversed, so that the eye acts as a router. Put tape or something on the other end to avoid stabbing yourself

It could be that the wire is actually corroded internally though, in which case cleaning up the contact surfaces wont fix it.