Power Steering Pump Pulley Removal

A common issue with power steering pump replacement or repair is removal of the pulley. Most p/s pump replacements do not include the pulley, which must be purchased separately, and it's common practice to remove the pulley from the old pump and install it on the new one.

It's also not uncommon for a pulley to be bent out of alignment (balance) after an accident on the road or during repairs.

In any case, getting the pulley off of the pump can be a challenge for those who haven't done it before. With the right tools and know-how, though, it's relatively easy.

Pump Removal

On some vehicles, it's possible to remove the p/s pulley without removing the pump, but in most cases, it's recommended that the pump be removed.

This will involve draining the power steering fluid and hydraulic lines as well as evacuating any pressure that may remain in them. Refer to your repair manual or reference materials for procedures in draining your p/s lines and removing the pump. Most will have three hose links and three or four bolts holding the pump in place as well as the belt driving the pulley (usually the serpentine or accessory belt), which can often be moved out of the way once the pump is loosened.

The Right Tools

Different models of pump will have different pulleys, but most are mounted in one of two ways: a central shaft with a flat end onto which bolts going through the pulley are threaded and a pressure retaining system in which the central shaft goes through the pulley and receives a bolt or nut to hold it in place.

In both cases, a proper removal tool will simplify the job and avoid any costly breaks or problems. There are three general types of pullers for p/s pulleys.

For a pulley with 3 or more bolts mounting it to the flat end of a central shaft, the puller will be a clamp which connects to the pulley's outer rim (where the belt rides) or central spokes (if equipped) and allows the pulley to be held firmly in place while the bolts are removed.

In the more common pressure nut/bolt on a central shaft system, however, the puller can be one of a variety of configurations. Most use the general principle of putting pressure on the outer edge of the central shaft's position in the pulley and a single "driver screw" to pull the pulley away from the shaft. Some have two points, some three or more, but all work in the same basic way. At the center is a bolt with a point that centers on the shaft itself. When turned, the bolt presses against the shaft, causing the rest of the pulley to be pulled away from the shaft. Once the central bolt/nut is removed, the puller puts reverse pressure on the pulley to remove it from the shaft.

These tools are widely available and easily purchased or rented at auto parts and hardware stores. Be sure to have the right puller for the job, though most p/s pumps will allow a "universal" puller to be used for pulley removal.

Once It's Out

Once the pulley is removed, check it for balance, cracks and other defects, then install it onto the new pump (if needed) or replace it (if required).

Putting it back on is usually no more complicated than placing it onto the shaft, pressing with your hands to center it, and possibly giving it light raps with a rubber mallet to seat it into place. Then put the central nut/bolt on. For flat-ended shafts, simply put the bolts back on and reverse the puller to hold the pump in place while you tighten the bolts to spec.

Easy

It's an easy job, but requires some finesse and a little understanding of how the system works. Use common sense and the correct tools and it will be an easy job.