How to Install a Power Steering Pump in a Dodge Stratus

by Dan Ferrell

Photo courtesy of IFCAR at Wikipedia.org.

If you are installing a new or rebuilt power steering pump on your Dodge Stratus, you might need to transfer the pump pulley from the old unit onto the new one. You can replace it using a pulley puller, which you can rent at an auto parts store. Check at your local auto parts outlet before removing the pump.

To Remove

Step 1

Remove as much power steering fluid as you can the steering pump reservoir using a hand siphon pump, then disconnect the black negative battery cable from the left strut tower-driver side. Replace the insulator grommet from the ground cable on the strut tower to prevent an accidental ground.

Step 2

Loosen the wheel lugs from the tire on the passenger side of your Stratus. Raise the right side of the vehicle using a floor jack; safely support it on a jack stand and remove the tire. Remove the splash shield by pulling on the plastic clips or unscrewing the bolts with a wrench or ratchet and socket.

Step 3

Place a drain pan underneath the vehicle in the direction of the steering pump. Disconnect the pressure hose at the steering pump and remove the hose connection using a wrench or tube wrench to avoid damage to the line and nut. Discard the O-ring from the connector and then disconnect the inlet hose by removing the hose clamp.

Step 4

Unscrew the power steering adjusting and rear bolts. Also, remove the heat shield covering the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) control unit, if equipped. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket.

Step 5

Disconnect the speed sensor bracket from the right inner fender and remove the sealing grommet on the fender, then disconnect the sensor connector and push the sensor wiring through the grommet mounting hole. If your model does not come with ABS, this hole has a rubber plug.

Step 6

Remove the front bracket bolt that secures the pump to the mounting bracket. Use a ratchet and socket with an extension to remove the bolt through the hole for the speed sensor wiring. Remove the drive belt from the power steering pulley and lift the steering pump and bracket from the engine compartment.

To Install

Step 1

Install the pump bracket on the new unit if necessary and set the new steering pump in place. Install the power steering adjusting bolt, pump top bolt and the bolt attaching the pump bracket to its mounting bracket on the engine. Do not tighten the bolts yet. Install the inlet hose and outlet pressure hose using a new O-ring on the hose connector of the pressure hose.

Step 2

Install the drive belt on the steering pump pulley. Adjust the belt tension by swiveling the pump and tightening the adjusting and mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 40-foot lbs(54Nm.)

Step 3

Install the wheel speed sensor, ABS heat shield and wheel assembly. Lower the vehicle and connect the black negative battery cable.

Step 4

Refill the power steering reservoir with power steering fluid and bleed the power steering system. Turn on the engine and fully turn the steering wheel to the left and right. Add steering fluid to the reservoir as needed and a little at a time, until the reservoir maintains the fluid level.

Things You'll Need

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