OEM 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Power Steering Pump

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Power Steering Pump Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Power Steering Pump on a 2.4L Turbo on 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

  A: You should empty the hydraulic fluid reservoir as much as possible when replacing or repairing the power steering pump. Lift the car and remove the coolant from its system. Take off the right front wheel and tire and after that, unplug the radiator fan wiring and remove the lower fan screws. Now remove the accessory drive belt splash shield and the accessory drive belt. Hold the front of the vehicle down as you pull the grille out, then remove the hood opening weather-strip over the radiator. Take out the thermosensors from the radiator closure panel and unscrew the upper closure panel fasteners, then remove the panel. Loosen and remove the two screws joining the upper radiator hose to the radiator and part the inlet neck from the radiator. Take the cooling module out of its lower bracket support and free the remaining screws joining the radiator fan to the module. Remove the mechanical clamp holding the fluid return hose to the pump reservoir and close off the other ends of the hose and reservoir with new plugs. Take out the tube nut that holds the hose to the pump, cap the hose end and cap the pump port for the fluid pressure. Unbolt the three fasteners holding the power steering pump and the two holding the support bracket to the engine, followed by removing the entire unit. To set up the equipment, wipe down the ends of the power steering pressure hoses and pressures with a clean towel, put in new 0-rings for any that have been used and apply a bit of clean fluid to the 0-rings. Secure the power steering pump, pulley and reservoir in their proper place, making sure the stamped steel bracket stands behind them. Put the bracket and pump onto the engine cover and, without tightening, install each bolt through them. Put in the two bolts holding the support bracket to the engine block and tighten them up to 54 N.m (40 ft. lbs.) torque. Then, tighten each of the three pump bolts to 28 N.m (250 in. lbs.) torque. Manually screw the threaded nut from your pressure hose into the pressure outlet in your pump and hand tighten it until it feels secure, then use a torque wrench to tighten it to 32 N.m (24 ft.lbs.). Using the hose clamp, fit the return hose onto the power steering reservoir fitting, then spread the clamp to keep it in place. Alignment the radiator fan, insert the two upper and two side mounting screws and tighten them to 6 N.m (55 in. lbs.) torque. Place the cooling module into its lower mounts, remove any dust from or replace the upper radiator hose inlet neck 0-ring as needed and secure the inlet neck to the radiator with the two screws. Attach the radiator closure panel and secure it, afterwards place the ambient temperature sensors and the weather-strip across the panel for the radiator cover. Add the grille to the vehicle, lift it again and put the accessory drive belt and splash shield into place. Connect the rest of the lower fan with screws and also connect the radiator fan wiring. Install the right front tire and wheel assembly, tightening the hardware to 100 ft. lbs. (135 N.m) and then lower the car. Add the coolant and follow the Power Steering Pump Initial Operation procedure to fully bleed the power steering system, then check there are no leaks.