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Power Steering Pump Pulley Puller: Definition, 3 Tool Types, 8 Use Steps, and Prices
Meta description: Power steering pump pulley puller definition, 3 tool types, compatibility, 8 use steps, and prices, backed by manufacturer and patent data.
What Is a Power Steering Pump Pulley Puller?
A power steering pump pulley puller is a tool that removes and installs the press-fit pulley on a power steering pump shaft. The tool acts as a compact press. Other names include pulley remover and installer, and pulley service set. The pulley mounts on a hub that surrounds the pump drive shaft. Pulley pullers also service belt-driven components such as the alternator, harmonic balancer, and crankshaft pulleys.
Why Does a Power Steering Pump Pulley Need a Puller?
Mechanics use a pulley puller when replacing the power steering pump, because friction holds the pulley on the pump shaft as a press fit. Pump maintenance sometimes requires removing the pulley, according to Lisle’s patent US7007359.
For related reading, see Power Steering: Definition, 3 System Types, How It Works, and Failure Risks. The same maintenance context also connects with Power Steering.
Related reading: [internal link: Power Steering Pump Replacement Cost]
What Are the 3 Types of Power Steering Pump Pulley Pullers?
Power steering pump pulley pullers come in 3 types: combination remover and installer kits, tight-spot clamshell removers, and harmonic balancer or 3-jaw pullers. The table below compares the types by mechanism, best use, and example.
| Type | Mechanism | Best use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combination remover and installer kit | Forcing screw removes the pulley and an installer bolt presses it on | Pulleys with a lip on the hub | OTC 4530 |
| Tight-spot clamshell remover | Two-part interlocking jaws with a handle and a forcing member | Pulleys in confined spaces | Lisle, US patent 7007359 |
| Harmonic balancer or 3-jaw puller | Bolts threaded into the pulley face, or jaws gripping the pulley | Pulleys without a collar | March Performance pulley |
Evertough kits use clamshell halves that catch the lip in the center of the pulley. A StangNet forum post reports that March Performance advised a harmonic balancer puller for its press-fit pulleys, which have no collar.
Which Pulley Hub Sizes and Pumps Do Standard Kits Fit?
Standard kits fit hub diameters of 1-1/8, 1-1/4, 1-5/16, and 1-3/8 inches, which equal 28.6, 31.75, 33.3, and 34.9 millimeters. The table below lists the coverage of 4 kits. All 4 kits fit the same 4 hub diameters.
| Kit | Maker | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 4530 | OTC | GM 3.1L, 3100, 3400, and 3800 V6 engines, GM 2.3L Quad 4 engines, and Ford 4.6L, 5.4L, and 5.8L modular V8 engines |
| 7830A | OTC | Chrysler, Ford, and GM vehicles with Saginaw, Thompson, and Ford C111 and C2 pumps, plus spacer 7931 for the Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, and Plymouth Breeze |
| 37031 | OEMTOOLS | Ford, Chrysler, GM, and VW pulleys with Saginaw, Thompson, and Ford C111 and C2 pumps, plus GM belt-driven vacuum pumps and GM V6 water pump pulleys |
| PSP01 | PSC | Ford, GM, and Chrysler vehicles with Saginaw, Thompson, and Ford CII and CIII pumps, on V-belt and serpentine belt pulleys |
OTC describes the 4530 set as covering the pulleys of most domestic vehicles.
How Does a Power Steering Pump Pulley Puller Work?
A power steering pump pulley puller works by using a forcing screw to press the pulley off the pump shaft. The installer works in reverse. Its bolt matches the diameter and thread pitch tapped into the pump shaft and draws the pulley onto the shaft.
How Do You Remove a Power Steering Pump Pulley With a Puller?
A mechanic removes a power steering pump pulley in 4 steps with a clamshell puller kit:
- Lubricate the forcing screw and thread it into the puller housing.
- Position the puller on the pulley, with both clamshell halves oriented evenly around the center lip.
- Slide the retaining ring over the clamshell halves until they are fully enclosed.
- Turn the forcing screw with 5/8-inch and 13/16-inch wrenches (16 mm and 21 mm) until the pulley presses off the shaft.
The procedure is similar for most press-style pulleys, according to O’Reilly Auto Parts.
For a reliable reference point, see NHTSA recalls and vehicle safety.
How Do You Install a Power Steering Pump Pulley With an Installer?
A mechanic installs a power steering pump pulley in 4 steps with the installer bolt and pressure bearing:
- Select the installation bolt and lubricate its threads.
- Assemble the bolt and pressure bearing, and set the pulley squarely on the shaft.
- Thread the installer assembly into the pump shaft.
- Turn the pressure bearing with an 11/16-inch (17 mm) wrench, while holding the bolt with a 9/16-inch (14 mm) wrench, until the pulley bottoms out.
The pulley sits flush with the pump shaft when fully installed.
What Tools and Safety Gear Does the Job Require?
The job requires 4 items: safety glasses, nitrile gloves, a pulley puller and installer kit, and wrenches, according to O’Reilly Auto Parts. Sockets with a ratchet or breaker bar replace the wrenches in the removal step.
How Much Does a Power Steering Pump Pulley Puller Cost?
Power steering pump pulley pullers cost $59.99 to $179.99 across the 3 listings below. O’Reilly Auto Parts also loans the Evertough kit for a refundable deposit, and the deposit equals the purchase price if the customer keeps the tool.
| Tool | Listed price | Seller |
|---|---|---|
| PSC PSP01 combination tool | $59.99 | PSC Motorsports |
| Lisle 39000 pulley tool | $61.03 | National Tool Warehouse on eBay |
| Mac Tools PSPKITA pulley puller | $179.99 | Mac Tools |
What Are People Also Asking About the Power Steering Pump Pulley Puller?
Can a Standard Puller Remove a Power Steering Pump Pulley?
A standard puller cannot remove a press-fit pulley that has no collar to grip.
How Is a Power Steering Pump Pulley Held on the Shaft?
A press fit holds the pulley on the pump shaft by friction.
Does a Press-Style Pulley Puller Work on Other Belt-Driven Parts?
A press-style pulley puller also services the alternator, harmonic balancer, and crankshaft pulleys.
Which Wrench Sizes Does the Evertough Kit Use?
The Evertough kit uses 5/8-inch and 13/16-inch wrenches (16 mm and 21 mm) to turn the forcing screw.
What Is a Power Steering Pump Pulley Puller Used For?
A power steering pump pulley puller removes and installs the press-fit pulley on a power steering pump shaft.