How to Change a Chrysler 3.5 Power Steering Pump

Replace the steering pump on your Chrysler 3.5L engine model.

Leaks and worn out internal components are the most common causes of steering pump failure on your Chrysler 3.5L engine model. This may cause the steering system to loose steering action. To fix most of these problems, you may have to replace the steering pump.

Things You'll Need

• Hand siphon pump
• Ratchet and socket
• Drain pan
• Tube wrench
• Wrench set
• Ratchet extension
• Mopar power steering fluid
• Floor jack
• 2 jack stands

Instructions

Remove the Steering Pump

1. Remove as much power steering fluid from the reservoir using a hand siphon pump.

2. Loosen the return hose clamp at the steering fluid reservoir using a ratchet and socket. Disconnect the hose and let the fluid drain on a drain pan.

3. Remove the power steering pressure hose at the pump. Use a tube wrench to unscrew the retaining nut and let the fluid drain on the drain pan.

4. Loosen the drive-belt tensioner pulley locking nut and adjusting bolt using a wrench or ratchet and socket. Then slide the drive belt off the steering pump pulley.

5. Unscrew the three steering pump mounting bolts through the holes on the steering pump pulley. Use a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

6. Place a screwdriver between the power steering pump and the sleeve in the tensioner bracket. Push the sleeve forward with the screwdriver just enough to remove the steering pump, reservoir and pulley assembly off the engine compartment.

Install the New Steering Pump

1. Push the sleeve tensioner bracket with the screwdriver just enough to set the new steering pump, reservoir and pulley assembly in place.

2. Screw the three steering pump-mounting bolts through the holes on the steering pump pulley. Use the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

3. Slide the drive belt over the steering pump pulley and tighten the tensioner-adjusting bolt and locking nut using the wrench or ratchet and socket.

4. Connect the pressure hose to the steering pump and turn the retaining nut using the tube wrench.

5. Connect the return hose to the steering fluid reservoir and tighten the clamp using the ratchet and socket.

6. Remove the reservoir cap and refill the steering system with Mopar power steering fluid. Let the fluid settle for two minutes and then make sure the fluid level reaches the Full Cold mark on the dipstick attached to the reservoir cap.

Bleed the Steering System

1. Start the engine and let it run for 20 seconds. Then turn it off and check the steering fluid level. Add as necessary. Repeat the step until fluid level remains steady.

2. Raise the front wheels using a floor jack and safely support it on 2 jack stands.

3. Start the engine and fully turn the steering wheel from left to right. Check the steering fluid level and add if necessary.

4. Lower the vehicle and fully turn the steering wheel from left to right. Then stop the engine.

5. Check the fluid level and add if necessary.

References

• Chrysler Lhs, Concorde,300m, Dodge Intrepid, 1998-2004; Haynes Manuals, Inc.; 2008