How to Change a Power Steering Pump on a Dodge Caravan
by Dan FerrellUpdated November 07, 2017
Items you will need
Jack and two jack stands
Ratchet and socket set
Wrench set
New pressure hose o-ring
The engine on your Dodge Caravan drives the pump on the power steering system to assist you every time you want to steer the vehicle left or right. When power pump components wear out or develop leaks, you might experience hard steering. In this case, you need to replace the pump. These steps will help you do just that. The procedure is based on a 2001 model with a 3.3-liter or 3.8-liter engine. On 2.4-liter engines, you need to unplug the oxygen sensor electrical connector and remove the exhaust system in addition to the following steps to change the pump.
Park the car in a safe place and disconnect the black, negative cable from the battery.
Take off the windshield wiper module.
Raise the front of the vehicle using a jack and support it safely on two jack stands
Remove the drive belt splash shield from underneath the vehicle.
Locate the power steering pump bracket and--working from underneath the car--loosen the through bolt; then remove the pressure hose routing bracket.
Place a catch pan on the floor, underneath the power steering pump fluid reservoir, and siphon as much steering fluid from the tank; then remove the pressure and fluid supply hoses from the pump.
Take off the rear pump mounting bolt and front mounting bolts through the pulley. Make sure to grab and keep the spacer located between the pump and mounting bracket once you remove the bolts.
Take the pump and pulley assembly over the aluminum bracket and out of the engine.
Install the new pump on its bracket and torque the front mounting bolts to 40 foot-pounds.
Install and torque the rear mounting bolt and spacer to 40 foot-pounds.
Reinstall the pressure and supply hoses. Make sure to replace the O-ring on the pressure hose and torque the hose fastener to 23 foot-pounds.
Install the through bolt and torque to 40 foot-pounds working from underneath the vehicle; then install the drive belt and splash shield.
Lower the car and reinstall the wiper module and connect the black, negative battery cable.
Fill the reservoir with power steering fluid and bleed the system. Check your vehicle service manual for the proper procedure if necessary.
Tips
To locate and identify components on the power steering system, consult your vehicle service manual. You can buy one at most auto parts stores or consult one for free at most public libraries.
Warnings
Many vehicles come with an air bag system or Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system. Consult your particular vehicle service manual and verify whether you need to and how to disable the SIR system. Working on power steering components may trigger impact sensors located around the steering system and accidentally deploy the air bags, causing serious personal injury.
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
