How to Replace the Power Steering Pump in My 1997 Dodge Ram

The power steering pump on the 1997 Dodge Ram is a remanufactured part. The bearings, bushings, valves and reservoir are inspected and replaced with new parts, if necessary, during the manufacturing process. The pump for this vehicle comes with or without the reservoir. Your auto parts store will charge a "core fee" when you purchase the pump, but this fee is refunded when you turn in the old pump.

Things You'll Need

• Set of sockets
• Rags
• Turkey baster or other siphoning device
• Drain pan
• Set of line wrenches
• Power steering pulley puller
• Floor jack
• Jack stands

Instructions

1. Clean the area where the lines are attached to the pump, using the rags. Fit the appropriate socket on the accessory belt tensioner and rotate the tensioner toward the center of the engine to loosen tension on the belt. Lift the belt off the power steering pump but leave it on the rest of the pulleys.

2. Remove the power steering fluid from the reservoir, using a turkey baster or other siphoning device. Slide the drain pan under the lines and place rags under the lines for easy cleanup.

3. Remove the power steering fluid lines on the 1997 Dodge Ram, using the appropriate line wrench. Stuff a rag into the end of each line and then prop the lines up against the engine -- this prevents contamination and further loss of fluid.

4. Unplug the power steering pressure-switch connector. Remove the oil-cooler mounting bolt from the pump bracket, if your particular engine is equipped with one. Remove the pump, using the appropriate socket.

5. Remove the pulley from the pump, using the power steering pulley puller. Install the pulley onto the new pump, again using the puller. Install the pump and firmly tighten the bolts. Plug in the wiring harness connector. Reattach the power steering pump lines and tighten them firmly, but do not over-tighten.

6. Rotate the accessory belt tensioner toward the engine and slide the belt over the power steering pump pulley. Allow the tensioner to rotate gently back into place, putting tension on the belt.

7. Fill the reservoir with power steering fluid. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. Top off the fluid as needed. Jack up the front of the vehicle using the floor jack and support it with jack stands. Turn the steering wheel slowly from the left stop to the right stop 20 times with the engine off. Top off the power steering fluid as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• If your 1997 Dodge Ram is equipped with a cooler, turn the steering wheel 40 times, as directed above, rather than 20 times.

• If the power steering fluid still looks frothy after completing the procedure, allow the vehicle to set for 20 minutes. Then, turn the wheel from stop to stop 20 times if you don't have a cooler or 40 times if you do have a cooler.

References

• AutoZone: Repair Manual for 1997 Dodge Ram: Power Steering Pump