steering
Power Steering Pump Pulley
for 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
10
Steps
11
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Remove and replace the power steering pump pulley on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine with 390ci V8 engine.
Warnings
⚠Engine must be completely cool before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components
⚠Power steering fluid will spill during this procedure; protect painted surfaces and have absorbent materials ready
ℹ️Do not attempt to remove pulley by prying or hammering as this will damage the pump shaft and bearings
Tools required
Power steering pulley pullerEssential
Power steering pulley installer toolEssential
3/8" drive ratchetEssential
3/8" drive socket set (standard)Essential
Box end wrench setEssential
Shop towelsEssential
Drain panEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Power steering pump pulley × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
- Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
- Place drain pan beneath power steering pump area
- Remove drive belt from power steering pump pulley
Procedure
- 1Remove drive belt from pulleyLoosen the power steering pump mounting bolts to create slack in the belt. On the 390ci V8, the pump is typically mounted on the driver's side front of the engine. Loosen the pump pivot bolt and adjustment bracket bolt, then push the pump toward the engine block. Remove the belt from the pulley grooves.
- 2Clean pump shaft areaUse shop towels to clean any dirt, oil, or debris from around the pulley and pump shaft. Use a wire brush if necessary to remove any corrosion or buildup from the visible portion of the shaft. This prevents contamination from entering the pump during pulley removal.
- 3Install pulley puller toolThread the power steering pulley puller onto the pump shaft. Most pulleys on 1970 AMC applications are press-fit and require a specific two or three-jaw puller that threads into the shaft center. Ensure the puller jaws grip firmly behind the pulley face and are seated evenly around the pulley hub.
- 4Remove old pulleyTurn the puller center bolt clockwise to draw the pulley off the pump shaft. Apply steady, even pressure. The pulley should release from the press-fit taper on the shaft. If excessive resistance is encountered, stop and verify the puller is properly seated. Remove the pulley and puller tool once free from the shaft.
- 5Inspect pump shaftExamine the pump shaft for scoring, wear, or damage. Check the Woodruff key (if equipped) to ensure it is properly seated in the shaft keyway and not damaged. Clean the shaft with a shop towel and verify it is smooth and free of burrs that could prevent proper pulley installation.
- 6Prepare new pulleyInspect the new pulley for any shipping damage or defects. Verify the bore matches the pump shaft diameter and the keyway (if applicable) is properly machined. Ensure the pulley is the correct depth and number of grooves for the belt configuration on the 390ci V8.
- 7Install pulley installer toolPlace the new pulley onto the pump shaft, aligning any keyway with the Woodruff key. Position the power steering pulley installer tool onto the shaft. This tool typically consists of a threaded shaft that pulls the pulley onto the pump shaft using the pump shaft threads. Ensure the installer tool pilot is properly centered in the pulley hub.
- 8Press pulley onto shaftThread the installer tool bolt clockwise to press the pulley onto the shaft. Apply steady, even pressure. The pulley should press smoothly onto the tapered shaft. Continue pressing until the pulley is fully seated and flush with the shaft shoulder. Do not overtighten as this can damage the pump bearings or shaft.
- 9Verify pulley installationRemove the installer tool and check that the pulley is fully seated with no gap between the pulley hub and shaft shoulder. Attempt to move the pulley by hand - it should not wobble or have any lateral play. Verify the pulley face is parallel to the pump mounting face.
- 10Reinstall drive beltRoute the drive belt around the power steering pulley and other engine accessories in the correct sequence. On the 390ci V8, typical routing is crankshaft to power steering to water pump to alternator. Pull the pump away from the engine block to tension the belt. The belt should have approximately 1/2 inch deflection when pressed firmly at the longest span between pulleys.
- 11Tighten pump mounting boltsWhile maintaining proper belt tension, tighten the power steering pump adjustment bracket bolt first, then tighten the pump pivot bolt. Verify belt tension remains correct after tightening. Recheck that all mounting hardware is secure.
Reassembly
- Reconnect negative battery cable
- Check power steering fluid level in reservoir and top off if necessary
- Clean any spilled power steering fluid from engine compartment
Verification
- Start engine and verify power steering pump operates without unusual noise or vibration from the pulley area
- Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times while idling to verify proper pump operation
- Inspect for any belt misalignment or slippage on the new pulley
- Recheck belt tension after engine reaches operating temperature and adjust if necessary
- Verify no power steering fluid leaks from pump shaft seal area