What is a Power Steering Pump Pulley and where is it Located?

The power steering pump pulley is an important part of your vehicle’s power steering system. Power steering helps you steer the vehicle more easily by applying hydraulic pressure to the steering gear. This means your drive to work can be an easy, pleasant experience and not an intense arm workout. The majority of vehicles on the road today have hydraulic power steering.

The power steering system relies on a hydraulic pump to apply pressure to the steering gear. That pump is driven by the power steering pulley which receives power from the crankshaft via a belt that connects the power steering pulley (and thus the pump) and the crankshaft pulley (and thus the crankshaft) . That powers the pump to send fluid through the lines to the steering gear. 

The power steering pulley is, of course, attached to the power steering pump. The power steering pump can be found on the front of the engine near the other engine accessories, like the alternator and air conditioning compressor. Its exact location however will vary from one engine to another.

How do I Know if my Power Steering Pump Pulley Needs to be Replaced?

The power steering pulley can become worn and wobbly through wear and tear or it can be damaged and become warped. One way the power steering pump pulley can be damaged is if it is removed improperly and reinstalled. 

A worn or damaged power steering pump pulley will struggle to bring the power steering pump up to the proper speed, making it run inefficiently. This will make steering difficult and transport you back to a time before power steering (only worse since vehicles with power steering have tighter steering ratios than manual steering vehicles ), at least as far as your handling is concerned. Difficulty steering is the most obvious sign of a problem with the power steering pump pulley. This can also be a sign of problems elsewhere in the power steering system, so other parts should be checked before the pulley is replaced, especially if there are any leaks. Leaking power steering fluid indicates a problem with the hoses or pump and not the pulley.

Can I Replace a Power Steering Pump Pulley Myself?

If you find that the power steering pump pulley is the cause of your problems, it will be a fairly easy repair, especially compared to replacing the pump itself. You do not need to disconnect the hoses or drain the power steering fluid unlike for the power steering pump. You’ll just need to remove any parts which block your access to the pulley, remove the belt, remove the old pulley, install the new one, and put everything back together. One thing to note is that removing the pulley properly does require the use of a special tool called a steering pump pulley puller.  

Need a Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement?

A malfunctioning power steering pump pulley will lead to problems with how well the power steering pump operates, thus making steering difficult and unpleasant. So, be sure to replace your power steering pump pulley as soon as possible if it is not working properly. At 1A Auto, we carry a large selection of aftermarket power steering pump pulleys for many makes and models, and at great prices.

At 1A Auto, we make shopping for a replacement power steering pump pulley for your car, truck, SUV, or van easy - we're here to help you select the right part for your vehicle! Call our customer service toll free at 888-844-3393 if you have any questions about our aftermarket power steering pulleys, warranty, compatibility or to purchase, or you can buy online.