steering
Power Steering Pump Pulley
for 2012 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
11
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers the removal and installation of the power steering pump pulley on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.
Warnings
⚠Power steering fluid is corrosive and slippery. Clean spills immediately to prevent damage to painted surfaces and slipping hazards.
⚠Never attempt to remove or install the pulley while it is mounted on the pump. The shaft can be damaged, requiring complete pump replacement.
ℹ️The EcoBoost engine bay is compact. Removing the pump from the vehicle provides better access for pulley service.
Tools required
Power steering pulley puller/installer kitEssential
Serpentine belt tool
Torque wrenchEssential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Line wrench setEssential
Drain panEssential
Shop towelsEssential
Parts
- Power steering pump pulley × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
- Motorcraft MERCON LV × 1 — XT-10-QLVC
Fluids
- Motorcraft MERCON LV — 1 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
- Disconnect negative battery cable
- Remove engine cover if equipped
- Place drain pan under power steering pump area
Procedure
- 1Remove serpentine beltRotate the belt tensioner clockwise using a breaker bar or serpentine belt tool. Remove the belt from the power steering pump pulley first, then release tensioner and remove belt completely. Note the belt routing diagram on the radiator shroud for reinstallation.
- 2Disconnect power steering linesUsing a line wrench, disconnect the pressure line fitting from the pump. Be prepared for fluid spillage. Disconnect the return line from the pump. Cap or plug all openings immediately to prevent contamination. Discard the old O-rings from both fittings.Torque specPressure Line Fitting39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
- 3Remove pump mounting boltsRemove the three power steering pump mounting bolts. Support the pump while removing the final bolt. Carefully maneuver the pump out of the engine bay, avoiding damage to surrounding components.Torque specPump Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
- 4Secure pump for pulley removalPlace the pump on a clean workbench. Ensure the pump is stable and secure. Do not clamp the pump body in a vise as this can crack the housing. Use protective padding if additional support is needed.
- 5Remove power steering pulleyInstall the power steering pulley puller tool onto the pulley. Thread the tool's center screw into the pump shaft threads. Tighten the puller evenly while holding the outer portion to pull the pulley straight off the shaft. Do not use impact tools or apply excessive side load to the shaft.
- 6Inspect pump shaft and new pulleyInspect the pump shaft for damage, scoring, or wear. Check the shaft threads and keyway for integrity. Inspect the new pulley for proper fit and ensure the keyway aligns correctly. Clean the shaft with a lint-free cloth.
- 7Install new pulleyAlign the pulley keyway with the shaft keyway. Use the pulley installer tool to press the pulley onto the shaft. Press the pulley on evenly until it is fully seated and flush with the end of the shaft. Do not hammer or impact the pulley onto the shaft as this will damage the pump bearings.
- 8Reinstall power steering pumpPosition the pump back into the mounting bracket location. Install the three mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even mounting pressure.Torque specPump Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect power steering linesInstall new O-rings on both the pressure and return line fittings. Lubricate O-rings lightly with clean power steering fluid. Connect the return line to the pump. Thread the pressure line fitting by hand first to prevent cross-threading, then torque to specification using a line wrench.Torque specPressure Line Fitting39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
- 10Install serpentine beltRoute the serpentine belt according to the routing diagram. Ensure the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves. Rotate the tensioner clockwise and slip the belt over the final pulley. Release tensioner slowly to apply proper belt tension.
- 11Fill and bleed power steering systemFill the power steering reservoir to the MAX cold fill line with Motorcraft MERCON LV. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly 10 times without holding at full lock. Check fluid level and top off as needed. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the reservoir and fluid level stabilizes.
Reassembly
- Reinstall engine cover if removed
- Reconnect negative battery cable
- Clean any spilled power steering fluid from engine bay and painted surfaces
Verification
- Check for power steering fluid leaks at pump fittings with engine running
- Verify pulley rotates smoothly without wobble or noise
- Test power steering operation by turning wheel lock-to-lock at idle - should be smooth with no whining or groaning
- Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off to cold fill line if needed
- Verify serpentine belt is properly seated and tensioned with no unusual noise