How to Install a Power Steering Pump Pulley | The ROY Garage

Installing a new power steering pump pulley doesn't have to be a frustrating guessing game. Whether you're wrapping up an engine rebuild or replacing a worn component, getting that press-fit pulley seated to the exact correct depth is crucial for proper serpentine belt alignment.

On this episode of The ROY Garage, we walk through how to install a power steering pulley using a standard pulley installer kit. While we tackled this with the pump still mounted on the engine, we've got plenty of pro-tips (like using a backing wrench early) to save your grip strength and your knuckles.

Watch the full step-by-step video tutorial below before diving into the guide!

Tools & Parts Used in This Build

• Puller & Installer Kit: Power Steering Pulley & Installer Kit

• Shop Apparel: Gear up in heavyweight, broken-in style with The ROY Garage Apparel Collection!

Pro-Tip Before You Start: Bench vs. Engine Bay

We decided to install our power steering pulley while the power steering pump was already bolted onto the engine.

• The Hard Way: Doing it in the vehicle means the pump can spin on you, requiring you to get creative holding the pulley.

• The Easy Way: If possible, install the power steering pulley while the pump is off the engine. Clamping the pump body or pulley in a table vise keeps it from spinning and makes installation significantly easier.

Step 1: Assemble Your Installer Tool and Select the Right Screw

Standard pulley puller/installer kits (like the ones found at most auto parts stores or Harbor Freight) come with a few specialized pieces.

1. Select the Installer Screw: Sort through the kit's threaded installer screws and select the one that matches the thread pitch of your pump's shaft.

2. Assemble the Jack Screw: Thread the thrust washer and bearing onto your jack screw assembly, then thread your chosen installer screw into the end.

3. Screw the threaded end of the installer tool firmly into the center shaft of your power steering pump.

Step 2: Orient the Pulley Correctly

Before sliding the pulley onto the shaft, pay close attention to its direction.

• Check the Groove: Make sure you install the pulley facing the right direction so that the belt alignment groove matches up with the rest of your accessory drive system.

• The Rule of Thumb: Ensure the recessed center hub or groove faces outward toward the front of the vehicle as specified by your pulley configuration.

Step 3: Press the Pulley Onto the Shaft

With the pulley lined up against the pump snout and your installer tool threaded securely into the shaft:

1. Use a socket on the jack screw and a wrench on the installer body to begin tightening the assembly down.

2. Manage Rotation: After a couple of turns, the pulley will want to spin along with the tool. You will need to hold the pulley steady while tightening the nut.

3. The Ultimate Shortcut: Don't wait until your hands get tired. Slap a crescent wrench onto the outside edge of the pulley right away to lock it against a stationary point or your grip, making it much easier to crank down without slipping.

Step 4: Verify Alignment and Route Your Belt

Continue tightening until the pulley seats to the precise depth where it lines up smoothly with your crankshaft, alternator, and water pump pulleys.

1. Unthread and remove your installer tool from the pump shaft.

2. Verification: Look down the belt line to ensure the pulley groove is completely flush and tracking straight with the rest of your accessory drive.

3. Install your serpentine belt over the pulleys, and you're ready to hit the road!