Power Steering Pump

Removes and replaces the power steering pump on a 2008 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10, including serpentine belt removal, hydraulic line disconnection, and system refill/bleed.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering pump × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering pressure line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering fluid (Mopar ATF+4) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• power_steering — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is cool to the touch (wait minimum 30 minutes after last operation).
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
3. Place drain pan under power steering pump area to catch fluid.
4. Locate power steering reservoir on driver's side engine bay and remove cap to allow drainage.
5. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement while working near serpentine belt.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove serpentine belt
   Locate the serpentine belt tensioner on the front of the engine. Using a 1/2" breaker bar or serpentine belt tool, rotate the tensioner clockwise to relieve tension. Slide the belt off the power steering pump pulley first, then release tensioner and remove belt completely from all pulleys. Inspect belt for wear and replace if cracked or glazed.
2. 2

   Drain power steering fluid
   Using a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, remove as much power steering fluid as possible from the reservoir. Position drain pan directly under the pump and hydraulic lines. Disconnect the return hose from the pump by releasing the hose clamp (squeeze-type or screw clamp depending on configuration) and pull hose from pump fitting. Allow remaining fluid to drain into pan.
3. 3

   Disconnect high pressure line
   Locate the high pressure line fitting on the pump outlet (typically on the rear of the pump body). Using a flare nut wrench if available to prevent rounding, loosen and remove the pressure line fitting. Be prepared for residual fluid drainage. Cap or plug the line end to prevent contamination.
4. 4

   Remove power steering pulley
   The pulley must be removed before the pump can be unbolted. Install the power steering pulley puller onto the pulley face, ensuring the center screw engages the pump shaft. Tighten the puller to draw the pulley off the pump shaft. The pulley is press-fit and may require significant force. Do not strike the pump shaft with a hammer as this will damage internal components.
5. 5

   Remove pump mounting bolts
   Locate the 3 pump mounting bolts securing the pump to the engine block bracket. Remove all mounting bolts and retain for reinstallation. The pump bracket remains on the engine. Carefully maneuver the pump away from the mounting bracket, tilting as needed to clear hydraulic line connections and surrounding components.
6. 6

   Install new power steering pump
   Position the new pump into the mounting bracket, ensuring the pump inlet and outlet ports are correctly oriented toward their respective hydraulic lines. Thread in the 3 mounting bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten mounting bolts in a cross pattern to specified torque.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install power steering pulley
   Place the pulley onto the pump shaft, ensuring it is seated squarely. Using the power steering pulley installer tool, press the pulley onto the shaft until it is flush with the end of the shaft or matches the original installed depth. Do not use an impact gun or strike the pulley with a hammer. If the pump has a pulley retaining nut, hold the pulley with a pin spanner and torque the nut to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect high pressure line
   Install new O-rings on the pressure line fitting, lightly lubricating with clean ATF+4 fluid. Thread the pressure line fitting into the pump outlet by hand until finger-tight, ensuring the fitting is not cross-threaded. Using a flare nut wrench, tighten the fitting to specified torque.
   Torque spec

   Pressure Line Fitting30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect return hose
   Push the return hose firmly onto the pump inlet fitting until fully seated. Install the hose clamp in its original position and tighten to specification if using a screw-type clamp. If using a spring clamp, ensure it is fully engaged in the hose groove.
   Torque spec

   Return Line Clamp4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install serpentine belt
    Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys except the power steering pump pulley, following the belt routing diagram on the radiator support or underhood label. Rotate the tensioner clockwise to create slack, then slide the belt onto the power steering pump pulley last. Carefully release the tensioner to apply proper belt tension. Verify the belt is correctly seated in all pulley grooves.
11. 11

    Fill and bleed power steering system
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Fill the power steering reservoir to the COLD MAX line with Mopar ATF+4 fluid. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock 10-15 times without starting the engine to distribute fluid through the system. Check reservoir level and top off as needed. Start the engine and let idle, then turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly 5 times. Check for leaks at all connection points. Turn off engine, check fluid level, and top off to HOT MAX line. Repeat the process until no air bubbles are visible in the reservoir and the fluid level stabilizes.
    ⚠Do not hold the steering wheel at full lock for more than 5 seconds during bleeding, as this can overheat the pump.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using the values provided in the torque reference list.
2. Use only new O-rings on all hydraulic fittings; do not reuse old seals.
3. Ensure serpentine belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves before starting engine.
4. Verify power steering reservoir is filled to proper level before starting engine.

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks at pump connections, pressure line fitting, or return hose.
• With engine running, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no whining or groaning noises.
• Check power steering fluid level with engine at operating temperature; top off if needed to HOT MAX line.
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal steering assist at all speeds and full steering wheel travel.
• Re-check all connection points for leaks after test drive and verify fluid level is stable.

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