Expert: Kevin - 9/27/2009

Question
I am replacing a power steering pump on a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500, is there a special tool to get the pump off the the pitman arm? If so what is the name of it and where can I find one? Thanks for your time.

Answer
POWER STEERING PUMP - GASOLINE ENGINE
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE WATER PUMP COOLANT TUBE UNLESS THE COOLANT SYSTEM HAS BEEN DEPRESSURIZED AND DRAINED.

REMOVAL
Remove the serpentine drive belt, Refer toooling.
Remove the hoses from the power steering pump and cap the fittings.
Remove battery ground cable and unthread stud from cylinder head, do not remove from bracket.
Loosen upper bracket bolt and remove the lower bracket to engine block bolts.
Pivot the pump assembly past the coolant tube.
Remove the upper stud and remove upper bolt from cylinder head.
Remove steering pump and mounting bracket from engine as an assembly.
Remove the pump pulley, to access pump attaching bolts.
Remove the front pump bracket Pump Mounting 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L On 8.0L engine remove rear pump bracket Pump Mounting 8.0L
INSTALLATION
Install the front pump bracket and tighten bolts to 47 N·m (35 ft. lbs.) On 8.0L engine install rear pump bracket and tighten nut to 47 N·m (35 ft. lbs.), tighten bolts to 24 N·m (18 ft. lbs.)
Install the pump pulley.
Install steering pump assembly on the engine block. Install the upper stud and bolt in bracket.
Pivot the pump down past the coolant tube and install the lower bolts in bracket.
Tighten the bolts and nut to 41 N·m (30 ft. lbs.)
Connect the hoses to the pump.
Install the serpentine drive belt Refer toCooling for belt routing.
Fill the reservoir with power steering fluid, refer to Pump Initial Operation.