Power Steering Pump

Remove and replace the power steering pump on a 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10, including serpentine belt removal, pulley transfer, and system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering pump × 1 — Use OEM specification
• High pressure hose O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Pressure line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Serpentine belt (if worn or contaminated) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar power steering fluid or ATF+3 — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
4. Remove power steering reservoir cap to relieve any system pressure
5. Use turkey baster or fluid evacuator to remove as much fluid as possible from power steering reservoir to minimize spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove serpentine belt
   Locate the serpentine belt tensioner on the front of the engine. Insert a 1/2" breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the tensioner square drive hole. Rotate the tensioner in the direction that releases belt tension (verify correct direction for this engine). Slip the serpentine belt off the power steering pump pulley first, then release tensioner slowly. Remove belt completely from all pulleys and note routing for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove power steering pump pulley
   Insert the pin spanner wrench into the holes on the power steering pump pulley face to hold it stationary. Using a socket and breaker bar, loosen and remove the pulley nut by turning counterclockwise. Remove the nut completely, then pull the pulley straight off the pump shaft. Note the pulley orientation for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Pulley Nut70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect high pressure hose
   Position drain pan beneath the power steering pump. Using a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding, loosen the high pressure hose fitting at the pump by turning counterclockwise. Allow fluid to drain into pan. Once drained, remove the fitting completely and cap or plug the hose end to prevent contamination. Discard the old O-rings from the fitting.
   Torque spec

   High Pressure Hose Fitting31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect return line
   Locate the return hose connection at the power steering pump. Loosen the hose clamp using a socket or screwdriver and slide it back away from the pump fitting. Pull the return hose off the pump nipple and allow remaining fluid to drain into pan. Cap or plug the hose to prevent contamination.
   Torque spec

   Return Hose Clamp3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove pump mounting bolts
   Locate the power steering pump mounting bolts securing the pump to the engine block mounting bracket. Remove all 3 mounting bolts using a socket. Support the pump with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove pump from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the power steering pump out of the engine bay. The pump may need to be tilted or rotated to clear surrounding components. Once clear, drain any remaining fluid from the pump into the drain pan before setting it aside.
7. 7

   Prepare new pump
   If the new pump does not include a pulley, transfer the pulley from the old pump to the new pump. Align the pulley on the new pump shaft and install the pulley nut finger-tight. Hold the pulley with the pin spanner and torque the nut to specification. Install new O-rings on all hydraulic fittings, lubricating them lightly with clean power steering fluid before installation.
   Torque spec

   Pulley Nut70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new pump
   Position the new power steering pump into the mounting bracket, maneuvering it into place while aligning the mounting bolt holes. Install all 3 mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then torque each bolt to specification in a crossing pattern.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect hydraulic lines
   Install the high pressure hose to the pump fitting with new O-rings in place. Thread the fitting by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then torque to specification using a flare nut wrench. Slide the return hose onto the pump nipple until it seats fully, then position the hose clamp over the connection point and tighten to specification.
   Torque spec

   High Pressure Hose Fitting31 Nm (23 lb-ft)

   Return Hose Clamp3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install serpentine belt
    Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys following the noted routing from removal. Leave the belt off the power steering pump pulley initially. Rotate the tensioner clockwise with the breaker bar, slip the belt onto the power steering pump pulley, then slowly release the tensioner to apply tension to the belt. Verify the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves.
11. 11

    Fill power steering system
    Fill the power steering reservoir with Mopar power steering fluid or the manufacturer-specified ATF (verify correct Chrysler spec for a 1992 vehicle) to the FULL COLD mark. Do not overfill. With the engine off, turn the steering wheel fully left and right 10-15 times to circulate fluid through the system and purge air. Check fluid level and add as needed.
12. 12

    Bleed power steering system
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 5-10 times while checking for fluid leaks at all connections. The steering effort should become progressively lighter as air is purged. Check the reservoir level frequently and maintain fluid at the FULL COLD mark. Continue bleeding until no air bubbles are visible in the reservoir and steering effort is normal.

Reassembly

1. Verify all hydraulic connections are tight and not leaking
2. Confirm serpentine belt is properly seated on all pulleys and tensioner is functioning correctly
3. Top off power steering reservoir to FULL COLD mark after bleeding procedure
4. Clean any spilled power steering fluid from engine bay and components

Verification

• Start engine and verify no power steering fluid leaks at pump or connections
• Turn steering wheel through full range of motion and confirm smooth operation with normal effort
• Check power steering fluid level with engine at operating temperature - level should be at or near FULL HOT mark
• Listen for abnormal noise from power steering pump during operation - pump should operate quietly without whining or groaning
• Test drive vehicle and verify power steering assists properly during turns and parking maneuvers

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle