How to Remove the Power Steering Pump on a 3.8-Liter V-6
by Carl PruitThe vehicle's power steering pump is designed to assist you by making turning the steering wheel easier by means of hydraulic fluid from the pump. The power steering pump of the 3.8-liter V-6 is in the front of the engine on the passenger side. Occasionally, the pump can develop a leak, resulting in the steering wheel becoming harder to turn. You can remove the power steering pump in about 30 minutes so the pump can be replaced.
Step 1
Turn off the engine. Set the parking brake on the vehicle and put a wood block behind one of the rear tires. Place a drain pan underneath the power steering pump of the 3.8-liter V-6 engine on the ground. The power steering pump is near the front on the passenger side of the engine.
Step 2
Turn the tensioner pulley bolt on the tensioner pulley with a socket wrench counterclockwise until the power steering belt is loose enough to remove from the power steering pulley. The tensioner pulley is between the power steering pump and the crankshaft on the front of the engine.
Step 3
Loosen the lug nuts on the front passenger tire with a tire tool one complete turn. Lift the vehicle up on the front passenger side with a floor jack and slide a jack stand under the axle near the tire.
Step 4
Lower the vehicle so it is resting on the jack stand and move the floor jack out of the way. Remove the lug nuts with the tire tool and take the wheel off the wheel hub.
Step 5
Unfasten the clamp around the power steering pump pressure hose on the bottom of the pump with a pair of pliers. Slide the hose off the pump and let the fluid run into the drain pan.
Step 6
Disconnect the power steering pump return hose from the top of the pump with a crescent wrench. Allow any fluid to drain into the pan below.
Step 7
Unfasten the three mounting bolts that secure the power steering pump to the motor with a socket wrench. Remove the power steering pump from the 3.8-liter V-6 engine compartment.
References
Things You'll Need
- Wood block
- Drain pan
- Socket wrench set
- Tire tool
- Floor jack
- Jack stand
- Pliers
- Crescent wrench
Warnings
- To avoid burn injuries, let the 3.8 liter engine cool down before attempting to remove the power steering pump.
Writer Bio
Carl Pruit has been a freelance writer since 2005, specializing in service journalism and travel. His work has appeared on various websites. Born and raised in California, Pruit attended Contra Costa Community College in San Pablo, Calif. and received an associate degree in the administration of justice.
