Power Steering Pump Pulley

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the power steering pump pulley on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with 327ci V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering pump pulley × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering pump drive belt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• GM Power Steering Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely
3. Disconnect negative battery cable
4. Place drain pan under power steering pump area to catch any fluid spillage
5. Verify you have the correct pulley puller and installer tools before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve belt tension and remove drive belt
   Locate the power steering pump belt. On the 1966 327 V8, locate the engine-mounted Saginaw power steering pump (verify its mounting location on your specific vehicle before proceeding). Loosen the pump adjustment bolt and the pivot bolt to release belt tension. Slide the pump toward the engine block to create slack, then remove the drive belt from the pulley.
2. 2

   Clean the pulley and surrounding area
   Use a wire brush and shop towels to clean any dirt, oil, or debris from the pulley face and the area around the pump shaft. This prevents contamination during disassembly and ensures proper tool seating.
3. 3

   Install the pulley puller tool
   Thread the power steering pulley puller tool onto the pump shaft. The tool's jaws must grip the back side of the pulley evenly. Ensure the puller is centered and the thrust bearing of the tool contacts the pump shaft end squarely. Do not allow the puller to contact only the pulley face.
4. 4

   Remove the pulley
   Turn the puller screw clockwise to draw the pulley off the pump shaft. Apply steady, even pressure. The pulley will slide off the shaft as the puller screw is tightened. Once the pulley is free, remove the puller tool and the pulley together.
5. 5

   Inspect pump shaft and old pulley
   Examine the pump shaft for scoring, burrs, or damage. Check the pulley bore for wear, cracks, or elongation. If the shaft shows damage, the pump must be replaced. Clean the pump shaft with a shop towel and inspect the shaft keyway if equipped.
6. 6

   Prepare new pulley for installation
   Verify the new pulley matches the original in diameter and offset. Clean the bore of the new pulley to remove any protective coating or debris. Align the pulley keyway with the shaft keyway if your pump is equipped with a keyed shaft.
7. 7

   Install pulley installer tool
   Position the new pulley on the pump shaft by hand, starting it squarely onto the shaft. Install the pulley installation tool by threading it onto the pump shaft. The tool should have a tubular section that contacts the pulley hub evenly.
8. 8

   Press pulley onto shaft
   Turn the installer tool clockwise to press the pulley onto the shaft. Apply steady pressure while ensuring the pulley remains square to the shaft. Press the pulley until it is flush with the end of the pump shaft or matches the original installation depth. Press the pulley until it matches the original installation depth measured before removal, ensuring proper belt alignment with the crankshaft pulley.
9. 9

   Remove installer tool and verify pulley
   Remove the pulley installation tool. Verify the pulley is fully seated and does not wobble when rotated by hand. Check that the pulley is pressed on straight and the shaft has not bottomed out inside the pulley bore.
10. 10

    Install and tension drive belt
    Route the new drive belt over the pulley and around the crankshaft pulley. Slide the power steering pump away from the engine block to apply tension. Adjust belt tension to the factory specification; as a general guide the belt should deflect approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch under moderate thumb pressure at the longest span between pulleys—verify against the GM service manual. Tighten the pump adjustment bolt, then tighten the pivot bolt.
11. 11

    Check power steering fluid level
    Inspect the power steering reservoir and top off with the GM-specified automatic transmission fluid (Type A / Dexron) to the FULL COLD mark. Wipe any spilled fluid from the pump and surrounding components.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and start engine
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 3 times to purge air from the system. Check for proper belt operation, unusual noise, and fluid leaks.

Reassembly

1. Verify drive belt is properly tensioned and tracking correctly on all pulleys
2. Recheck power steering fluid level after initial test run and top off if necessary
3. Inspect for fluid leaks around pump shaft seal after test drive

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual noise from power steering pump or belt squeal
• Turn steering wheel through full range of motion and confirm smooth operation
• Check that belt remains centered on pulley during engine operation
• Verify power steering fluid level is at FULL COLD mark with engine off
• Confirm no fluid leaks at pump shaft seal
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal power steering assist at all speeds

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