How to Replace the Power Steering Pump on a Dodge Intrepid

The power steering pump on a Dodge Intrepid supplies pressurized power steering fluid to the steering rack. The pump is mounted in a bracket next to the engine, and is driven by the serpentine belt. Over time the seals and bearings inside the pump may wear out, and cause fluid leakage. If you notice a loss of power assist on your steering wheel, or you hear a loud screeching or squealing noise from the engine bay when you turn the steering wheel, it may be time to replace your power steering pump.

Draining the Power Steering Pump

Disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery terminal. Loosen the retaining bolt with a wrench. Pull the clamp off the terminal.

Remove the serpentine belt. Loosen the adjuster bolt on the alternator with a socket. Slide the alternator toward the engine. Remove the belt by pulling it off the pulleys.

Raise the vehicle using an automotive jack and support with jack stands placed under the front subframe.

Place a waste oil collection pan underneath the power steering pump. Loosen and slide back the hose clamp on the power steering inlet hose, using needle-nose pliers. This will be the hose on top of the pump, near the pulley. Pull the hose off the pump.

Removing the Power Steering Pump From the Vehicle

Loosen and disconnect the fitting that secures the power steering pressure hose to the pump body, using a wrench. Remove the pressure hose from the pump by pulling it back.

Unscrew the three bolts that secure the power steering pump to the engine bracket, using a socket.

Remove the pump and pulley as an assembly from the vehicle, by lowering it through the bottom of the vehicle.

Removing the Pulley from the Pump

Secure the pump body in a vise.

Position the power steering pulley special puller tool C-4333 over the pulley. The tabs on the end of the puller tool should be positioned under the raised bead in the center of the pulley.

Remove the pulley from the pump body, by turning the bolt head on the puller tool clockwise, with a wrench. Continue turning until the pulley is free from the pump body.

Installing the Pulley on the New Pump

Place the pulley onto the new power steering pump shaft. Make sure it is sitting squarely on top of the pump shaft.

Thread a power steering pump pulley installer tool into the threads machined in the center of the pump shaft.

Hold the bolt head at the top of the installer with a wrench. Then use another wrench to turn the rotating body of the tool clockwise until the pulley is installed on the pump.

Remove the installer tool from the pump body.

Installing the Pump in the Vehicle

Lift the pump body into position in the engine bracket from the bottom of the vehicle.

Reinstall the three bolts that secure the pump body to the engine bracket. Torque the bolts to 40 ft. lbs.

Attach the power steering pressure hose to the pump body, by screwing the retaining nut on the hose to the outlet port on the pump.

Slide the hose from the power steering pump reservoir onto the inlet port on the pump.

Slide the hose clamp over the inlet port on the pump, using needle-nose pliers.

Reinstall the serpentine belt. Position the serpentine belt over the engine pulleys. Slide the alternator away from the engine and tighten the adjuster bolt using a wrench, to tighten the belt.

Bleeding the System

Lower the vehicle. Reconnect the ground cable to the negative battery terminal. Slide the clamp over the terminal. Use a wrench to tighten the retaining bolt.

Fill the power steering reservoir with Mopar power steering fluid or equivalent.

Start the engine. Turn the steering wheel left to right and back again a few times. Turn the wheel all the way until you hit the stops. This will bleed the air from the system.

Visually inspect the pump for leaks, while the engine is running. Drive the vehicle to test the repair.