Power Steering Pump Pulley: How to Remove Without Puller

Removing the power steering pump pulley without puller might be a bit of a laborious process since the pulley puller is generally the most popular tool for removal in this scenario, but you need to remember that nothing is truly impossible.

That being said, you can apply several other tactics and devices when you want to get the pulley off. Whatever the reason you need to remove it, we will walk you through the detailed methods you can utilize in such a situation and remove the pulley even without a puller in no time!

How To Remove the Power Steering Pump Pulley With a Belt and Wrench?

To remove the power steering pump pulley with a belt and wrench, first, remove the belt by loosening the tensioner. Then use a pulley removal tool and twist to remove the pulley from the pump shaft. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper tool usage and safety precautions.

1. Removing the Belt

The first method uses a belt and a wrench, a practical approach requiring only essential tools. To begin with this method, you must remove the serpentine belt around the power steering pump. This belt is responsible for driving the pulley, and by releasing the tension, you can remove it from the pulley.

To do this, locate the belt tensioner, typically a spring-loaded pulley that maintains pressure on the belt. You can use a wrench or ratchet to release the tension, which will cause the belt to become loose. Once the serpentine belt is loose, you can slip it off the pulley, allowing you to access the bolt that secures the pulley to the power steering pump.

2. Keeping the Pulley in Place

The pulley needs to be held securely to prevent it from spinning as you loosen the bolt. If the pulley rotates, it can cause damage to the pump or the belt.

You can use a strap wrench or an adjustable wrench to hold the pulley in place. A strap wrench is a specialized tool with a flexible strap that wraps around the pulley’s circumference. As you apply force to the twist, the strap tightens around the pulley, holding it in place. An adjustable wrench can also be used, but it may not provide as secure of a grip as a strap wrench.

When using either of these tools, it’s essential to position them correctly to avoid damaging the pulley. The strap or wrench should be placed around the pulley’s circumference, not on the flat edges or the grooves. Applying force to the flat edges or grooves can cause them to deform, resulting in damage to the pulley.

3. Loosening the Bolt

Loosening the bolt that secures the power steering pump pulley to the pump can require some effort, mainly if the bolt has been on there for a long time. You’ll need a long wrench or breaker bar to provide enough leverage to break the bolt loose.

Before loosening the bolt, ensure the wrench or breaker bar is securely attached to the bolt head. Position the tool so that it is perpendicular to the bolt, and apply steady, even pressure to turn the bolt counterclockwise. You may need to use some force to get the bolt moving, but be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the bolt or the pump.

Using the correct size wrench or breaker bar is also essential to ensure a secure fit on the bolt head. Using the right size tool can result in slipping or rounding off the bolt head, making it easier to remove the pulley.

4. Removing the Pulley

After loosening the bolt that secures the power steering pump pulley to the pump, you can remove it by hand. Before removing the pulley, make sure to take note of any shims that may be between the pulley and the pump. These shims are essential for maintaining proper pulley alignment and should be replaced in the same position during reinstallation.

Once the bolt is out, you can remove the pulley from the pump shaft. It’s essential to be careful not to lose the key that fits into the keyway on the pump shaft. This key ensures proper alignment and rotation of the pulley on the pump shaft. Failing the key can result in improper alignment or damage to the pump shaft.
If the key is stuck in the pulley, use a small flat-head screwdriver or pick to pry it out gently. Keep the key and the keyway on the pump shaft intact.

When removing the pulley, it’s also important to be mindful of any wires or hoses in the way. These should be carefully moved aside or secured out of the way to avoid damage or interference with the pulley removal.

How To Remove the Power Steering Pump Pulley With a Hammer and Screwdriver?

To remove the power steering pump pulley with a hammer and screwdriver, you will need to remove the belt.

After that, position the screwdriver appropriately and tap the end with the hammer with not too much or too little force. Soon, the pulley should come off.

1. Removing the Belt

The second method of removing the power steering pump pulley without a puller is helpful in your arsenal. While it may require more effort and patience than using a pulley puller, it can be a viable option when one is not readily available. This method involves using a hammer and screwdriver to remove the pulley from the pump shaft. Although it requires more finesse than the first method, it can still be an effective way to get the job done.

After you’ve removed the serpentine belt and the tensioner, you can take the hammer and screwdriver to remove the pulley from the power steering pump.

2. Putting the Screwdriver in Position

When using the hammer and screwdriver method to remove a power steering pump pulley, it’s essential to use a large screwdriver with a sturdy blade. This will ensure the edge can withstand the pressure you’ll apply without bending or breaking. Once your screwdriver is ready, you can position the border between the pulley and the pump shaft.

Ensure the blade is positioned as close to the center of the pulley as possible to avoid damaging the surrounding components. It’s also essential to ensure that the blade is wedged in tightly, so it won’t slip out when applying force.

3. Using Some Force

When using a hammer to tap the screwdriver, it’s crucial to be gentle and tap the end of the screwdriver repeatedly to apply pressure to the pulley. This method requires more finesse and precision, as too much force can cause damage to the pump shaft. It’s crucial to keep tapping the screwdriver until the pulley begins to move, taking care not to hit the pump shaft with the hammer.

4. Removing the Pulley

With the pulley now loose, you should be able to remove it from the pump shaft by hand easily. However, it’s essential to be cautious and avoid dropping the pulley, as it can be heavy and potentially cause damage to the surrounding components.

When removing the pulley, make sure to take note of the key that fits into the keyway on the pump shaft. This small but essential piece helps secure the pulley to the pump shaft and prevent it from slipping. Be careful not to lose the key as you remove the pulley, as it will need to be reinstalled when putting the pulley back on the pump shaft.

How To Remove the Power Steering Pump Pulley With a Pry Bar?

To remove a power steering pump pulley with a pry bar, loosen the bolts that hold the pulley to the pump, place the pry bar between the pulley and the pump, and apply pressure to remove the pulley from the shaft.

1. Loosening the Belt

If you don’t have a pulley puller or don’t feel comfortable using the hammer and screwdriver method, using a pry bar can be a viable alternative for removing the power steering pump pulley. However, this method requires more physical effort and careful handling to avoid causing any damage to the pump or pulley.

First, you’ll need to remove the serpentine belt from the power steering pump and release the tension using a wrench or ratchet. Once the belt is loose, you can move on to the next step.

2. Pulling the Pulley Off

Now, position the pry bar between the pulley and the pump body. Ensure that the pry bar is placed securely and does not damage any pump components. You can also use a piece of wood to protect the pump while prying the pulley off.

Slowly apply pressure to the pry bar and use leverage to pull the pulley off the pump shaft. It may take some effort to move the pulley, but keep applying steady pressure until it comes off. Be careful not to use too much force, which can damage the pump or pulley.

3. Removing the Key

Once the pulley is removed, remove the key from the keyway on the pump shaft. Inspect the pulley and pump for any damage before reinstalling or replacing the pulley.

How To Remove Power Steering Pump Pulley Using Heat?

To remove a power steering pump pulley using heat, first, heat the center of the pulley with a heat gun or torch for several minutes. Then, quickly cool the pulley with a wet rag, and use a pulley removal tool to remove it.

1.Getting a Torch

Suppose you’re still having trouble removing the power steering pump pulley. In that case, there is one more method you can try before throwing in the towel and seeking professional help. This method involves using heat to expand the pulley’s metal and make removing it easier.

To begin, you will need a propane torch, typically found at any hardware store. You need to keep the torch a few inches from the pulley and heat it evenly around the shaft, careful not to overheat any area. You want to expand the metal just enough to loosen the pulley without causing any damage.

2 Using a Pry Bar

Remember, this is a last resort! Because overheating the pulley can cause permanent damage to both the pulley and the pump. Once the pulley is heated, you can use a pry bar or other method to remove it from the pump. Use caution and be patient when attempting this method.

Conclusion

While it might be a temptation to try and save money by avoiding a puller tool, weighing the potential risks and costs of damaging your vehicle versus purchasing or renting the proper tool is essential. However, as the article has explained in all the details, removing a power steering pump pulley without

a puller can be challenging, but it’s definitely doable.

• The first method for removing a pulley without a puller is by using the wrench and removing the belt.
• While using a hammer and screwdriver isn’t very safe, you can still remove the pulley by gently tapping the hammer and unscrewing the screws.
• If you use a pry bar, you must remove the belt and the screws before removing the pulley.
• Finally, you can utilize a pry bar and the heat of a propane torch to do this.

Regardless of your chosen methods, the ones listed above, it is crucial to approach the task with care and caution to avoid damaging the pulley or the pump itself. So, if you plan to remove your power steering pump pulley without a puller, follow the proper techniques and invest in the right tools to ensure a successful removal process!