🔧 Grand Cherokee - Power Steering Pump Replacement

The power steering pump on your Grand Cherokee is a belt-driven hydraulic pump. Replacing it means relieving belt tension, removing the drive belt, disconnecting the hoses, and installing the new pump with fresh fluid so the steering system can be bled properly.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Let the engine cool before starting. Hot fluid and hot pulleys can cause burns.
• Keep hands, clothing, and tools clear of the belt drive path.
• Use jack stands if you need extra access from below. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Catch all power steering fluid in a drain pan. It is slippery and can damage rubber parts.
• Do not start the engine with the reservoir empty.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Long-handled breaker bar
• Belt tensioner tool
• Torque wrench
• Drain pan
• Line wrench set
• Flat-blade trim tool
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Jack stands
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Power steering pump - Qty: 1
• Power steering pump gasket or O-ring kit - Qty: 1
• Power steering return hose seal washers - Qty: 1 set
• Power steering fluid (Mopar-approved CHF-type fluid if specified on cap) - Qty: 2 quarts
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully.
• Open the hood and locate the power steering reservoir and belt routing label.
• Take a photo of the belt routing first.
• If the belt is cracked or glazed, replace it now.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove engine cover and gain access

• Use your hands or a flat-blade trim tool to lift off the engine cover, if equipped.
• Move any intake ducting or covers that block access to the belt and pump. Use the correct socket if fasteners are present.

Step 2: Relieve belt tension and remove the serpentine belt

• Use a belt tensioner tool or 15mm socket on the tensioner to rotate it and release belt tension.
• Slide the belt off the power steering pump pulley first, then remove it from the rest of the pulleys.
• Keep the old belt as a routing reference.

Step 3: Drain the power steering reservoir

• Place a drain pan under the pump and return hose area.
• Use a flat-blade trim tool or hand pressure to remove the reservoir cap and reduce pressure.
• Use a line wrench if needed to loosen the low-pressure return hose clamp or fitting.
• Drain as much fluid as possible into the pan.

Step 4: Disconnect the hoses from the pump

• Use the correct line wrench or 13mm socket for the pressure fitting, depending on the pump design.
• Disconnect the return hose and cap or plug the hose ends to keep dirt out.
• Be ready for leftover fluid to spill out.

Step 5: Remove the pump mounting bolts

• Use a 13mm socket and ratchet to remove the pump mounting bolts.
• Support the pump with one hand while removing the last bolt.
• Lift the pump out of the engine bay.

Step 6: Transfer any brackets or pulley if required

• If your replacement pump does not include a pulley or bracket, transfer them from the old unit.
• Use the appropriate puller or installer tool if the pulley must be moved. This is a specialty pulley service tool.
• Do not hammer on the pulley.

Step 7: Install the new pump

• Position the new pump in place and start all mounting bolts by hand.
• Use a 13mm socket to snug the bolts evenly.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) unless the replacement pump instructions specify otherwise.

Step 8: Reconnect the hoses

• Install new seal washers or O-rings from the kit.
• Reconnect the pressure and return lines using the line wrench or 13mm socket.
• Torque to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs) for the pressure fitting unless your pump or line design differs.
• Make sure the hoses are not twisted or rubbing on anything.

Step 9: Reinstall the serpentine belt

• Route the belt using the underhood belt diagram.
• Use the belt tensioner tool or 15mm socket to move the tensioner and slide the belt onto the last pulley.
• Double-check that the belt is seated in every pulley groove.

Step 10: Refill and bleed the system

• Use a funnel to fill the reservoir with the correct power steering fluid.
• With the front wheels off the ground, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 10-15 times with the engine off.
• Start the engine and let it idle. Turn the wheel slowly again from lock to lock.
• Add fluid as the level drops. Do not let the reservoir run dry.
• Slow turns help push air out.

Step 11: Inspect for leaks and reassemble

• Check all hose fittings, the pump body, and the reservoir for leaks.
• Reinstall any intake parts or covers removed earlier using the correct socket.
• Reinstall the engine cover if equipped.

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✅ After Repair

• Test steering effort at idle and at low speed.
• Listen for whining or squealing, which can mean air is still trapped or the belt is loose.
• Recheck the fluid level after a short drive and top off if needed.
• Inspect again for seepage around all fittings.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$420 (parts only)

You Save: $520-$780 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.