A power steering pump belt is used to transfer the rotating energy produced by the engine to the pump, where the fluid within the pump is then directed to the rack and pinion unit. Over time, the rubber belt stretches, producing a squeaking sound when the steering wheel is turned, particularly at slow speeds. The belt can also develop cracks over time, which can cause the belt to break unexpectedly.

Things You'll Need:

• Wrench

Locate the power steering pump bracket bolts. Power steering pumps are secured to the side of the engine with two metal brackets. One side of each bracket bolts to the engine, while the opposite side of each bracket attaches to the power steering pump. A single retaining bolt is located at the top of the pump, and another bolt is located at the bottom of the pump. These two bolts secure the pump to the brackets.

• Step 2

  Loosen the two bracket bolts that hold the power steering pump in place with a wrench. It is not necessary to remove these bolts. Note that the bolt that secures the lower bracket to the bottom of the power steering pump is inserted through a slot. This slot allows the tension on the pump's belt to be adjusted by moving the pump either toward or away from the engine.

• Step 3

  Push the power steering pump toward the engine to eliminate the tension on the pump's belt, then pull the belt away from the pump's pulley.

• Step 4

  Pull the opposite end of the power steering pump belt away from the engine's bottom pulley, then up and over the fan blades to complete the removal process.