Power Steering Pump Pulley

Remove and replace the power steering pump pulley on a 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10, requiring a specialized pulley puller and press tool to safely extract and install the press-fit pulley.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering pump pulley × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake.
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated.
3. Open hood and secure in raised position.
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate from battery post.
5. Locate power steering pump on front passenger side of engine, driven by serpentine belt.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove serpentine belt
   Locate the drive belt tensioning system on the front of the engine. Using an appropriate tensioner release tool or the correct-size wrench/breaker bar, relieve belt tension per the vehicle's belt system (rotate the tensioner in the direction indicated on the tensioner or in the service manual to release tension). Slide the serpentine belt off the power steering pump pulley first, then release tensioner and remove belt from remaining pulleys. Note the belt routing path for reinstallation, and reference the underhood belt routing decal (if equipped) or the service manual belt routing diagram.
2. 2

   Inspect power steering pump pulley condition
   With the belt removed, visually inspect the power steering pump pulley for damage, cracks, or excessive wear on the belt contact surface. Check for any wobble by attempting to move the pulley side-to-side with your hand. Note the pulley alignment and position on the pump shaft before removal to ensure correct installation depth of the replacement pulley.
3. 3

   Install pulley puller tool
   Install the appropriate power steering pump pulley puller tool per the tool manufacturer's instructions for this pump. Depending on the pulley design, the puller may thread into a center bore or grip behind the pulley hub; verify the correct puller configuration for the Viper PS pump before applying force. The puller legs should contact the back face of the pulley hub evenly. Ensure the puller is seated squarely and the threaded shaft is centered on the pump shaft. Do not allow the puller to contact the pump housing.
4. 4

   Remove power steering pump pulley
   Turn the puller center bolt clockwise to draw the pulley off the pump shaft. Apply steady, even pressure. The pulley will gradually pull straight off the press-fit shaft. Once the pulley is free from the shaft, remove the puller tool and pulley together. Inspect the pump shaft for damage, scoring, or debris.
5. 5

   Clean pump shaft
   Wipe the power steering pump shaft clean with a shop towel. Remove any debris, old pulley material, or corrosion from the shaft surface. Inspect the shaft for damage that could prevent proper pulley installation or cause future pulley failure. The shaft should be smooth and clean.
6. 6

   Prepare new pulley for installation
   Inspect the new power steering pump pulley for defects or damage. Verify the pulley hub bore is clean and free of debris. Check that the pulley matches the original in dimensions and belt groove profile. Place the pulley onto the pump shaft by hand, ensuring it seats straight and does not bind or cock to one side.
7. 7

   Install pulley installation tool
   Position the power steering pump pulley installation tool (press-type) over the pulley and pump shaft. The tool should contact only the pulley hub, never the outer rim or belt grooves. Thread the tool into the pump shaft or secure according to the tool's design. Ensure the pulley remains centered and aligned on the shaft.
8. 8

   Press pulley onto pump shaft
   Turn the installation tool center bolt clockwise to press the pulley onto the pump shaft. Apply steady, even pressure. Press the pulley until it reaches the exact installed position specified in the service manual (or matches the original pulley position measured during removal). Do not rely on a generic 'flush with the shaft' assumption—verify correct pulley-to-shaft depth for proper belt alignment. Do not over-press the pulley, as this can damage internal pump bearings. The pulley should be firmly seated with no axial movement when pulled by hand. Remove the installation tool.
9. 9

   Verify pulley installation
   Check that the pulley is seated squarely on the pump shaft with no visible wobble or misalignment. Attempt to move the pulley side-to-side and front-to-back by hand; there should be no play. Verify the pulley depth matches the original installation position noted during removal. Spin the pulley by hand to confirm it rotates freely without binding or noise.
10. 10

    Reinstall serpentine belt
    Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys according to the belt routing diagram, leaving the power steering pump pulley for last. Rotate the belt tensioner clockwise using a breaker bar to create slack, then slide the belt onto the power steering pump pulley. Release the tensioner slowly to apply proper belt tension. Verify the belt is centered on all pulleys and seated properly in all grooves.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery post and tighten securely. Start the engine and verify the power steering system operates normally. Listen for any abnormal noises from the power steering pump pulley area. Check for smooth belt operation and proper tracking on all pulleys. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to verify normal power steering assist function. Shut off engine.

Reassembly

1. Serpentine belt must be properly routed and tensioned according to the belt routing diagram.
2. New pulley must be pressed to the correct depth on the pump shaft—flush with or slightly recessed from the shaft end.
3. Verify all tools are removed from the engine compartment before starting the engine.

Verification

• Start engine and verify no abnormal noises from power steering pump or pulley area.
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times and confirm normal power steering assist with no binding or unusual sounds.
• Visually inspect serpentine belt for proper tracking on all pulleys with engine running.
• Check that power steering pump pulley rotates smoothly without wobble or vibration.
• Verify power steering fluid level is correct and no leaks are present.

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