How to Change a Power Steering Pump on a PT Cruiser

The power steering pump on a PT Cruiser is a hydraulic pump that assists the driver in turning the steering wheel. With a malfunctioning power steering pump on your car, you would find it difficult to steer the PT Cruiser. If you have a leak in your power steering pump, the power steering fluid in the pump may leak onto the exhaust manifold and cause a fire, seriously damaging the engine and all the other components in the engine housing.

Open the hood of the PT Cruiser and locate the power steering pump. It will be on the driver's side, connected to the firewall in the engine housing.

Place a plastic container under the pump.

Use a pair of pliers to loosen the securing nuts that are holding the input and output lines in place on the pump. Pull the input and output lines out of the pump. The power steering fluid will start to drain; let it drain into the plastic container for five minutes.

Use the pliers to loosen the tension screw on the belt that is connected to the pulley on the pump. Pull the belt off the pulley. Remove the nuts that secure the pump to the firewall, then pull the pump from the engine housing and set it aside.

Place the new pump into position and replace the securing nuts to the pump and the firewall. Replace the belt onto the pulley and tighten the tension screw to tighten the belt. Reconnect the input and output lines into their corresponding holes. Fill the pump with power steering fluid, following the instructions on the power steering fluid bottle.